Salem Ban On Plastic Bags Back In Effect

SALEM, MA — The plastic bag ban is back on in Salem.

The beginning of October brings the return of the ban on single-use plastic bags that was suspended during the coronavirus health crisis. Retailers now are once again not able to offer those bags to customers to carry out groceries or other items.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own recyclable bags.

There is an exemption for bags for produce and meat.

According to the bylaw, a business will be issued a warning on first offense and have at least 14 days to correct the violation. A business can be fined for a second offense after the 14-day warning period by any police officer, enforcement officer or agent of the board of health, licensing department, or the city engineer or his or her designated agents.