Medford Plastic Bag Ban: What To Know

MEDFORD, MA – A plastic bag ban signed into law by the mayor this month will go into effect this summer. The ordinance began as a proposal by a group of Medford High School students, whose petition received more than 600 signatures.

More than 90 other municipalities across the state have passed similar laws to reduce plastic bag waste. Here's what you need to know about the new ordinance, according to the city:

When does the new rule go into effect?

All retail establishments will be required to comply with the plastic bag ban beginning Tuesday, July 16, 2019.

What types of bags will be eliminated?

The ordinance specifically prohibits thin-film plastic bags under 4 mil (4/1000th of an inch) to be given out by retail establishments in the City of Medford.

What types of bags are acceptable?

Any bag that a customer takes to the store themselves.

Or the store can provide:

1. Paper bags that meet requirements as specified by the ordinance.
2. Reusable bags made of cloth or thicker plastic that meet the requirements of the ordinance.
3. Plastic bags 4 mil thickness (4/1000th of an inch) or greater.
4. Bags customers use inside establishments to package bulk items such as fruit, vegetables, grains, candy, etc.; contain or wrap frozen foods, meat or fish; contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, etc. are still allowed. Additionally, laundry or dry-cleaning bags, or bags sold in packages intended to be used for home food storage, garbage waste, pet waste, or yard waste are not included in this ordinance.

What type of businesses and organizations must comply with the new law?

The law applies to all retail establishments including, but not limited to, convenience and grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, stores that sell wine, beer or spirits, seasonal and temporary businesses, jewelry stores, hair salons, and household goods stores. If a business supplies a consumer with some sort of product – whether paid or unpaid – then they must comply with this law effective July 16, 2019.