Falmouth Plastic Bag Ban Goes Into Effect

FALMOUTH, MA — Falmouth stores are now banned from distributing most types of plastic bags.

The measure, approved by voters in 2014, went into effect Saturday.

"The production and use of single-use bags have significant, negative impacts on the marine and land environment, clogging our storm drains, creating a burden on our solid waste collection and recycling," town officials said in a statement.

Grocery stores, clothing retailers, pharmacies, and other retails stores will be forced to follow the ban, which outlaws single-use, handled plastic bags less than 2.5 mils thick.

"Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags when they go grocery shopping, out for food/take-out food, to the pharmacy or any other store, etc.," town officials continued.

About 30 Massachusetts communities have approved plastic bag bans, including Barnstable, Provincetown, Newton, and Cambridge.

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

Photo credit: Justin Ruckman/Flickr