Newton Considering Ban on Plastic Bags

Newton officials are considering a ban on plastic bags.

The ban is targeted at grocery stores and large retailers. Most restaurants and small businesses would be exempt.

City officials say currently, only about 5 percent of plastic bags in town are recycled.

“By taking action, the City of Newton (will) demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, and it will encourage other municipalities to take similar action—and that will make a real difference,” reads a statement by the city’s Plastic Bag Working Group. Read the group’s report here by searching for “plastic bag” in the document.

A survey conducted by the group found most businesses in Newton supported the ban. Some were opposed, saying it would be an “unnecessary overreach.”

Brookline and Nantucket are among the handful of Massachusetts communities that have plastic bag bans. Newburyport approved a ban last month.

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