Wellesley Plastic Bag Ban Goes Into Effect Wednesday

WELLESLEY, MA – A Wellesley bylaw approved by the Town Meeting last April will go into effect in the town's larger stores Wednesday.

Stores that are 3,500 square feet or larger, and chain stores that have more than one outlet in Wellesley, will no longer be allowed to distribute single-use, plastic check-out bags. Stores smaller than 3,500 square feet must comply by April 12.

Wellesley's bylaw does not prohibit plastic produce bags, newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, dog waste bags, garbage bags or any other plastic film product. Non-retail businesses such as medical or dental offices are exempt from the law.

Paper bags and reusable bags are permitted, though paper bags must be completely recyclable and made with at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled material.

Violation of the ban is subject to written warnings and fines by the Wellesley Board of Health.

Photo credit: Justin Ruckman/Flickr