BOSTON (WHDH) - A ban on single-use plastic bags begins Friday at stores and restaurants across Boston as the city takes a step toward achieving its goal of reducing litter and pollution.
The ordinance forbids retailers from giving out plastic checkout and carryout bags with handles. Customers are instead encouraged to use recyclable paper bags, compostable bags, and reusable bags.
“We know that single-use plastic bags have an impact on the environment. They often end up in City streets and gutters, abandoned lots, and even in trees,” the city said of the ordinance.
Mayor Martin J. Walsh said, “City council passed it. I signed it. It’s for the environment. Plastic bags get caught in trees. You can’t recycle them, they’re in our dumps. So we’re asking people when you go to the store to bring your own bags, you can buy them at the stores.”
Jenny Yencho, who supports the ban, says: “I think it’s great. I think paper bags are more recyclable, They’re easier to reuse. They don’t break as easily.”
Alyssa Suchy has mixed feelings.
“I know that Cambridge has done the same thing in the last year, and it’s kind of inconvenient, especially when it’s raining,” Suchy said. “It’s convenient for some things, but for regular things like toilet paper, not so much.”
Businesses that violate the ordinance will receive a warning for their first offense, followed by a $50 fine and a $100 fine for subsequent offenses.
“Our goal is to reduce litter and pollution,” the city said in a statement. “We want to protect the ocean our waterways. We aim to also reduce greenhouse gasses and reduce solid waste in the waste stream.”
The ban does not include:
- newspaper bags
- bags used to wrap produce, frozen food, meat, or fish
- laundry and dry-cleaner bags
- trash can liners
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