Single-use plastic bags banned in Provincetown

EVERETT (Scrap Monster):  Provincetown at the extreme tip of Cape Cod in Barnstable County, Massachusetts has officially banned the use of single-use plastic bags. The ban on distribution and sale of such bags has come into effect April 15^th onwards.

The amendment to the town’s general bylaws was voted in favor during the Special Town Meeting held in October last year. The approval by the Massachusetts Attorney General on January 26^th, 2015 made it official. Under the new section 13.6 of Provincetown General Bylaws, use of single-use plastic bags is prohibited in the retail sector. However, large plastic bags of size 11" x 7 " and without handles are permitted. Bags used to transport produce, bulk foods, candy and meat are also exempted.

The new town law mentions that single-use plastic bags may not be used or sold after April 15^th. Retail establishments are required to extinguish their stocks if any. Any pending stock must be disposed off in environment-friendly manner or returned to the manufacturer. The town advocates the use of reusable cloth bags in place of plastic bags. Bags made of durable plastic having thickness in excess of 1.5 mils are also allowed.

The violation of the new bylaw may attract a fine of $50 for the first offense and $100 for the second offense. Each subsequent offense will be fined $200.

Meantime, the town of Wellfleet is also considering ban which when implemented will phase out the use of single-use plastic bags by Jan 1, 2016. The Annual Town Meeting is to consider the proposal on April 27^th.