Plastic Bag Bans: Another Cape Cod Community Joins Falmouth

BARNSTABLE, MA — Barnstable this fall will become to latest Massachusetts community enforce a plastic bag ban. The ban starts Oct. 3. It prohibits businesses like grocery stores, clothing retailers, pharmacies, and other retails stores from distributing single-use, handled plastic bags less than 3 mils thick.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own washable, reusable bags to stores.

"Establishments may and are strongly encouraged to distribute paper bags, reusable bags and boxes available to customers with or without charge and educate their staff to promote reusable bags and post signs encouraging customers to use washable reusable bags," Barnstable officials said in a statement.

Vouchers for free reusable bags at participating establishments will be available to individuals enrolled in the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program.

Penalties for violating the law include:

• First offense: warning
• Second offense: $100 fine
• Third and subsequent offenses: $200 fine

Earlier this month, a similar plastic bag ban in Falmouth took effect. About 30 Massachusetts communities now have plastic bag bans.

• Do you agree with the ban? Are you prepared? Share your view in the comments.

Photo credit: Justin Ruckman/Flickr