Massachusetts

Location:

Statewide Legislationtop
Status Pending
Ordinance HB 663
Notes 3/18/2016 House Bill 663 was recently ammended to include the following: ban on plastic bags starting in 2018 and will not preempt any of the existing local laws. This Bill will likely also be getting a new number. Still in process. 2/5/2016 The Joint Committee on Environmenta, Natural Resources and Agriculture is showing interest in passing a bag bill 663 out of committee. The bill places a minimum 10 cent fee on paper bags and bans plastic bags. The Bill will be sent to the House Ways & Means committee for consideration. In 2015 the MA House declared they would not pass any new taxes n 2016. However, the states wants to find a way to have a statewide ban on bags instead of dealing with different local laws.
Updated March 31, 2016
Barnstabletop
Status Approved
Status Date 09/15/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.0 thick and Specific ID requirements
Reusable Definition A bag specifically designed and manufactured for long-term multiple reuses made of cloth, fabric or other durable, washable materials.
Stores Affected Any business selling goods, articles, food or personal services to the public, including public eating establishments and take-out restaurants.
Comply Date 09/03/2016
Ordinance 2016-010/ Chapter 195
More Information Link to more information
Updated December 05, 2015
Bostontop
Status Failed
Notes 2007 failed
Updated April 20, 2012
Bridgewatertop
Status Approved
Status Date 03/08/2016
Plastic Summary Requirements: 2.55 thick and Specific ID requirements
Reusable Definition A bag with handles specifically designed for multiple use and is made of thick plastic, cloth, fabric or other durable material
Stores Affected
“Retail Establishment” – any retail store with gross interior space of 3,000 square feet or more, exclusive of stockroom, office, storage and other space ancillary of a publicly accessible space intended to be frequented by consumers, or at least (3) locations under the same ownership or brand name within the …view more
Comply Date 09/08/2016
Ordinance D-2015-007
More Information Link to more information
Updated March 31, 2016
Brooklinetop
Status Approved
Status Date 11/14/2012
Plastic Summary Requirements: 2.25 thick and Specific ID requirements.
Paper Summary Requirements: no old growth fiber, 100% recyclable, 40% minimum of PCW and specific ID requirements.
Reusable Definition Made of cloth or other machine washable fabric that has handles, or a durable plastic bag that is at least 2.25 mil thick with handles and is specifically designed and manufactured for multiply use.
Stores Affected
“Retail Establishment” any retail store that satifies at least one of the following requirements: (a) a retail space of 2500 square feet or larger or at least three (3) locations under the same name within theTown of Brookline that total 2500 square feet or more, or (B) a retail pharmacy …view more
Fees None
Comply Date 12/01/2013
Ordinance Article 8.xx
Notes 11/14/2012 was approved, ordinance will be finalized in 30-90 days.
Updated November 15, 2012
Cambridgetop
Status Approved
Status Date 03/15/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.0 thick and Specific ID requirements
Paper Summary Requirements: Recyclable paper bag means a paper bag that is 100 percent recyclable and contains at least forty percent post-consumer recycled content, and displays the words “recyclable” and “made from forty percent post-consumer recycled content” in a visible manner on the outside of the bag.
Reusable Definition Reusable bag means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is polyester, polypropylene, cotton or other durable material, or durable plastic that is at least three millimeters in thickness.
Stores Affected
Retail establishment means any commercial enterprise, defined as the following, whether for or not for profit, including, but not limited to restaurants, pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonal and temporary businesses, jewelry stores, and household goods stores; however, this does not include bazaars operated by nonprofit organizations or …view more
Fees None
Comply Date 03/15/2016
Ordinance 1366
More Information Link to more information
Updated August 27, 2015
Chilmarktop
Status Approved
Status Date 04/12/2016
Plastic Summary Requirements: 4.0 thick and Specific ID requirements.
Paper Summary “Recyclable Paper Bag” means a paper bag with or without handles that is 100 percent recyclable and contains at least 40% post?consumer recycled content (except that an eight pound or smaller paper bag shall contain a minimum of 20% post?consumer recycled content) and visibly displays both the word “recyclable” and the percentage of post?consumer recycled content.
Reusable Definition “Reusable Bag” means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of polyester, polypropylene, washable fabric, or other durable material and, in the case of plastic bags, is at least 4.0 mils in thickness.
Stores Affected “Store” means any commercial enterprise selling goods, food or services directly to the public, whether for or not for profit, including, but not limited to, convenience and grocery stores, markets, restaurants, pharmacies, liquor stores, take-out food purveyors, and merchandise.
Comply Date 01/01/2017
More Information Link to more information
Updated April 26, 2016
Concordtop
Status Approved
Status Date 04/11/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 2.55 thick and Specific ID requirements
Reusable Definition A Reusable bag is a bag with handles specifically designed for multiple use and is made of thick plastic, cloth, fabric or other durable material.
Stores Affected A retail estabilishmnet that offers the sale and display of merchandise within the building. And grocery store estabilishment where more than 50% of the gross floor area is devoted to the sale of food products for home prepration.
Fees None
Comply Date 01/01/2016
Ordinance Article 35
More Information Link to more information
Updated August 27, 2015
Edgartowntop
Status Approved
Status Date 04/12/2016
Plastic Summary Requirements: 4.0 mil thick and Specific ID requirements.
Paper Summary “Recyclable Paper Bag” means a paper bag with or without handles that is 100 percent recyclable and contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled content (except that an eight pound or smaller paper bag shall contain a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled content) and visibly displays both the word “recyclable” and the percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
Reusable Definition “Reusable Bag” means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of polyester, polypropylene, washable fabric, or other durable material and, in the case of plastic bags, is at least 4.0 mils in thickness.
Stores Affected “Store” means any commercial enterprise selling goods, food or services directly to the public, whether for or not for profit, including, but not limited to, convenience and grocery stores, markets, restaurants, pharmacies, liquor stores, take?out food purveyors, and merchandise.
Comply Date 01/01/2017
Ordinance Article 19
More Information Link to more information
Updated April 22, 2016
Falmouthtop
Status Pending
Status Date 11/01/2014
Plastic Summary Requirements: 2.25 thick and Specific ID requirements
Paper Summary Requirements: no old growth fiber, 100% recyclable, 40% minimum of PCW and specific ID requirements.
Reusable Definition “Reusable bag” means a bag that is specifically designed for multiple use and is made of cloth, fabric or other durable materials.
Stores Affected “Establishment” means any business selling goods, articles, food or personal services to the public, including take-out restaurants.
Comply Date 03/01/2016
More Information Link to more information
Updated April 12, 2015
Great Barringtontop
Status Approved
Status Date 01/01/2013
Plastic Summary Requirements: 2.55 thick and Specific ID requirements
Reusable Definition A Reusable bag is a bag with handles specifically designed for multiple use and is made of thick plastic, cloth, fabric or other durable material.
Stores Affected Retail establishments- no formal definition provided
Comply Date 07/01/2013
Ordinance Chapter 211
More Information Link to more information
Updated August 27, 2015
Greenfieldtop
Status Failed
Notes Public vote expected early November of 2015
Updated November 07, 2015
Hamiltontop
Status Approved
Status Date 04/11/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.0 thick and Specific ID requirements
Reusable Definition Reusable Bag shall mean a bag with handles that is specifically designed for multiple reuse and is either: (1) made of cloth or other washable fabric; or (2) made of durable plastic 3 mil in thickness; or (3) of some other durable non-toxic material.
Stores Affected Retail establishment” shall mean any business facility that sells goods directly to the consumer including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, “mini-marts,” and retail stores and vendors selling clothing, food, and household or personal items.
Comply Date 07/27/2016
Ordinance Chapter XXXV
More Information Link to more information
Updated December 20, 2015
Harwichtop
Status Approved
Status Date 05/04/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 2.5 thick and Specific ID requirements
Reusable Definition “Reusable bag” means a bag that is specifically designed for multiple use and is made of cloth, fabric or other durable materials.
Stores Affected “Establishment” means any business selling goods, articles, food or personal services to the public, including take out restaurants.
Comply Date 05/04/2016
Ordinance Article 40
More Information Link to more information
Updated August 27, 2015
Manchestertop
Status Approved
Status Date 07/01/2005
Plastic Summary Requirements: 2.5 thick and Specific ID requirements
Reusable Definition “Reusable bag” means a bag that is specifically designed for multiple use and is made of cloth, fabric or other durable materials.
Stores Affected Retail establishments- no formal definition provided
Comply Date 07/01/2013
Ordinance Section 42
Updated August 27, 2015
Marbleheadtop
Status Approved
Status Date 05/15/2014
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.0 thick and Specific ID requirements.
Paper Summary Requirements: no old growth fiber, 100% recyclable, 40% minimum of PCW and specific ID requirements.
Reusable Definition Made of cloth or other machine washable fabric that has handles, or a durable plastic bag that is at least 3.0 mil thick with handles and is specifically designed and manufactured for multiply use.
Stores Affected “Retail Establishment” any commercial business facility that sells goods directly to the consumer including but not limited to grocery store, pharmacies, liquor stores, mini marts ad retail stores and vendors selling clothing, food and personal items.
Comply Date 05/15/2015
Ordinance 157
Notes Approved in meeting on 5/8/2014, however, still needs signature. This can take between 30-120 days for final approval and signature.
More Information Link to more information
Link to more information
Updated January 29, 2015
Naticktop
Status Pending
Updated August 27, 2015
Newburyporttop
Status Approved
Status Date 10/01/2014
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.0 mil
Reusable Definition A bag that is specifically designed and intended for multiple use and is made of lastic with a thickness greater than 3.00 mil. thick Has a or fabric or other durable material.
Stores Affected A “Retail Establishment” shall mean an establishment engaged in any “Business” or “Marine” uses regulated under Section V (use regulations) of Appendix A (Zoning Ordinance) of the code of the City of Newburyport, MA.
Fees None
Comply Date 03/29/2015
Ordinance None
Notes 12/12/2014 The City’s ban on single-use, thin-film plastic bags was codified on October 1, 2014. The ordinance gives the City 3 months to issue regulations and another 3 months to implement. Based on that timeline, draft regulations are planned to be reviewed by the Board of Health in December. Implementation will become effective on March 29, 2015. To give the business community ample time to plan for this change. On 4/1/2014 the city introduced an ordinance banning thin plastic bags. It has currently been sent to committee for further review.
More Information Link to more information
Link to more information
Updated December 12, 2014
Newtontop
Status Approved
Status Date 01/20/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.0 mil
Paper Summary Requirements: no old growth fiber, 100% recyclable, 40% minimum of PCW and specific ID requirements.
Reusable Definition “Reusable Bag” means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is either polyester, polypropylene, cotton or other durable material, or durable plastic that is at least 3.0 millimeters in thickness.
Stores Affected
“Retail Establishment” means any commercial entity with retail space 3500 square feet or bigger or at least tow locations under the same name within the City of Newtown with retail space that totals 3500 square feet or larger whether or not for profit, including, but not limited to retail stores, …view more
Comply Date 06/15/2015
Notes As of 1/28/2015 still on the Mayers desk.
Updated January 28, 2015
North Hamptontop
Status Approved
Status Date 04/16/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.0 mil
Reusable Definition Bags that have a thickness greater than 3.0 mils and are specifically designed for multiple use and are made of thick recyclable plastic, cloth, fabric or other durable materials that do not decompose into harmful chemical components. A reusable bag may be recyclable or compostable and is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse.
Stores Affected
Retail Establishments: All sales outlets, stores, shops, pharmacies or other places of business located within the City of Northampton which sell or convey merchandise directly to the ultimate consumer. Retail Food Establishments. All sales outlets, stores, shops, restaurants, markets, supermarkets, clubs or other places of business which sell, serve …view more
Comply Date 01/01/2016
Ordinance 272-18
More Information Link to more information
Updated August 27, 2015
Pittsburgtop
Status Pending
Updated August 27, 2015
Plymouthtop
Status Failed
Notes 2008 failed
Updated April 20, 2012
Provincetowntop
Status Approved
Status Date 11/17/2014
Plastic Summary Requirements: 1.5 Mils thick
Reusable Definition A “reusable bag” is defined as a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is either: (1) Made of cloth or other machine washable fabric; (2) Made of durable plastic that is at least 1.5 mils thick; or (3) Other durable material suitable for reuse.
Stores Affected An “Establishment” means any business in Provincetown selling goods, articles, food or personal services to the public, including but not limited to markets, restaurants, bars, take-out food purveyors, merchandise retailers, florists and galleries.
Comply Date 04/15/2015
Ordinance General Bylaw- Article 8 sections 13-6 thru 13-6-4
More Information Link to more information
Updated November 01, 2014
Sturbridgetop
Status Failed
Notes 2008 failed
Updated April 20, 2012
Tisburytop
Status Approved
Status Date 04/12/2016
Plastic Summary Requirements: 4.0 mil thick and Specific ID requirements.
Paper Summary “Recyclable Paper Bag” means a paper bag with or without handles that is 100 percent recyclable and contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled content (except that an eight pound or smaller paper bag shall contain a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled content) and visibly displays both the word “recyclable” and the percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
Reusable Definition “Reusable Bag” means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of polyester, polypropylene, washable fabric, or other durable material and, in the case of plastic bags, is at least 4.0 mils in thickness.
Stores Affected “Store” means any commercial enterprise selling goods, food or services directly to the public, whether for or not for profit, including, but not limited to, convenience and grocery stores, markets, restaurants, pharmacies, liquor stores, take-out food purveyors, and merchandise.
Comply Date 01/01/2017
Ordinance Article 19
More Information Link to more information
Updated April 12, 2016
Town of Chathamtop
Status Approved
Status Date 01/01/2016
Plastic Summary Requirements: 2.5 thick and Specific ID requirements.
Reusable Definition “Reusable bag” means a bag that is specifically designed for multiple use and is made of cloth, fabric or other durable materials.
Stores Affected “Establishment” means any business selling goods, articles, food or personal services to the public, including restaurants.
Comply Date 01/01/2017
More Information Link to more information
Updated April 27, 2016
Trurotop
Status Approved
Status Date 11/05/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.5 mils thick
Reusable Definition A “reusable bag” is defined as a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is either: (1) Made of cloth or other machine washable fabric; (2) Made of durable plastic that is at least 3.5 mils thick; or (3) Other durable material suitable for reuse.
Stores Affected An “Establishment” means any business in Truro selling goods, articles, food or personal services to the public, including but not limited to markets, restaurants, bars, take-out food purveyors, merchandise retailers, florists and galleries.
Comply Date 06/01/2016
Ordinance Article 8
More Information Link to more information
Updated December 20, 2015
Wellesleytop
Status Approved
Status Date 04/16/2016
Plastic Summary Requirements: 4.0 mil thick
Paper Summary “Recyclable Paper Bag” means a paper bag with or without handles that is 100 percent recyclable and contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled content and visibly displays both the word “recyclable” and the percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
Reusable Definition Reusable Check out Bag shall mean a sewn bag with stitched handles that is specifically designed for multiple reuse and that (1) can carry 25 pounds over a distance of 300 feet (2) is machine washable (3) either (a) made if natural fibers such as cotton or linen or (b) made of durable, non toxic plastic other than polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride that is generally considered a food grade material that is more than 4 mils thick.
Stores Affected Retail Establishment shall mean any business facility that sells goods directly to the consumer whether or not for profit, including but not limited to retail stores, restaurants, pharmacies, convenience and grocery stores, liquor stores, seasonal and temporary businesses.
Comply Date 01/01/2017
Ordinance Article 33
More Information Link to more information
Updated April 16, 2016
Wellfleettop
Status Approved
Plastic Summary Requirements: 3.5 mils thick
Reusable Definition A “reusable” shopping bag is defined as a bag that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of durable material such as cloth at least 3.5 mil thick.
Stores Affected An “Establishment” means any business in Wellfleet selling goods, food or services to the public, including, but not limited to, markets, restaurants, bars, take-out food purveyors, merchandise retailers, florists and galleries.
Comply Date 01/01/2016
Ordinance Article 30-32
More Information Link to more information
Updated December 31, 2015
West Tisburytop
Status Approved
Status Date 04/12/2016
Plastic Summary Requirements: 4.0 mil thick and Specific ID requirements.
Paper Summary “Recyclable Paper Bag” means a paper bag with or without handles that is 100 percent recyclable and contains at least 40% post-consumer recycled content (except that an eight pound or smaller paper bag shall contain a minimum of 20% post-consumer recycled content) and visibly displays both the word “recyclable” and the percentage of post-consumer recycled content.
Reusable Definition “Reusable Bag” means a bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of polyester, polypropylene, washable fabric, or other durable material and, in the case of plastic bags, is at least 4.0 mils in thickness.
Stores Affected “Store” means any commercial enterprise selling goods, food or services directly to the public, whether for or not for profit, including, but not limited to, convenience and grocery stores, markets, restaurants, pharmacies, liquor stores, take-out food purveyors, and merchandise.
Comply Date 01/01/2017
Ordinance Article 19
More Information Link to more information
Updated April 12, 2016
Williamstowntop
Status Approved
Status Date 05/20/2015
Plastic Summary Requirements: 4.0 mil thick
Paper Summary Recylcable Paper Bag means a paper bag that meets all of the following requirements: ( 1) contains no old growth fiber, (2) is one hundred percent ( 100%) recyclable overall and contains a minimum of forty percent ( 40%) postconsumer recycled material; ( 3) is capable of composting, consistent with the timeline and specifications of the American Society of Testing and Materials ASTM) Standard D6400.
Reusable Definition Reusable Bag: a) A retail establishment may provide or sell reusable carryout bags to its customers or to any person. b) A reusable carryout bag must have a handle. c) A reusable carryout bag must be constructed out of: 1) cloth, other washable fabric, or other durable materials whether woven or non- woven; or recyclable plastic, with a minimum thickness of 4. 0 mil. d) A reusable carryout bag must meet the minimum reuse testing standard of 175 reuses carrying 16 pounds.
Stores Affected Retail Establishment Any commercial business facility that sells goods and/ or services directly to the consumer including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, convenience stores, restaurants, retail stores and vendors selling clothing, food, and personal items, and dry cleaning services.
Comply Date 10/26/2015
Ordinance Article 8
More Information Link to more information
Updated December 01, 2015
Worcestertop
Status Pending
Notes In 2010 bill proposed for possible ban/fee. Under discussion.
Updated February 16, 2012
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