Woburn Plastic Bag Ban Goes Into Effect

WOBURN, MA — Woburn's new plastic bag ban went into effect Sept. 30, the city said Thursday.

The ban applies to single-use plastic bans provided by retailers. Other bags, including newspaper bags, dry-cleaning bags and produce bags can still be provided, and retailers can sell plastic bags for garbage and pet waste. Craft and fair vendors are excluded.

Retailers will face $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. They can provide paper bags instead.

Residents are also encouraged to bring reusable bags with them when shopping, to reduce their reliance on plastic.

The ban was delayed due to a statewide pause on plastic bag bans, instituted at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.