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 |
Disclaimer: The information on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your specific situation. Uniflex does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and materials contained in this site or the compliance with any particular federal, state or local laws and expressly disclaims liability for any errors or omissions in the information and materials.
JOIN OUR EMAIL MAILING LIST
