Falmouth Plastic Bag Ban Starts Aug. 6

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

The measure, approved by voters in 2014, will be enforced starting Sat., Aug. 6.

"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.