Cape Cod Town Considers Rescinding Single-Use Plastic Bottle Ban

SANDWICH, MA — Over the last few years, 11 towns on Cape Cod have banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. But now, residents in one of those towns are considering getting rid of the ban before it even gets enacted.

Sandwich's plastic water bottle ban is scheduled to begin in 2022, but on Monday, the town will hold a special town meeting, and one of the articles up for a vote is rescinding the ban. The article was proposed via a citizen's petition filed by Kathy Barrett.

Supporters of rescinding the ban say they support the article because of potential harm to small businesses, health concerns and the continued sale of sports drinks and soda in plastic bottles, the Cape Cod Times reported. Sustainable Practices have spearheaded the bans across Cape Cod, citing the effects of plastic pollution on beaches and the Cape Cod Environment at large.

Last month, Mashpee became the latest Cape Cod community to ban the sale of single-use plastic water bottles in town. Brewster, Eastham, Falmouth, Harwich, Orleans, Provincetown, Chatham, Dennis and Wellfleet have all adopted bans as well.