Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags Goes Into Effect From Jan 1, 2019

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Two more Massachusetts communities are set to implement ban on single-use plastic bags. The Lowell City’s ban is set to come into effect on Jan 1, 2019. Westford’s ban will also take effect on the same day. It must be noted that Boston had enacted the plastic bag ban by mid-December this year.

The Lowell City Council had approved the ordinance in May this year through 6-0-3 vote. The ordinance will prohibit single-use plastic bags in retail establishments that are 3,000 square feet or larger. The Lowell retail stores are allowed to sell recyclable paper bags or reusable checkout bags. Violators of the ordinance will be penalized. The first-time violators will be issued a warning. Second offence could result in a fine of $100, third in a fine of $200 and so forth. Non-payment of fines will lead to revocation of permits or licenses.

The Westford plastic bag bylaw was passed by a large majority in March this year. Accordingly, single-use plastic bags will be prohibited with the exemption of certain categories of disposable bags such as those used for produce, dry cleaning and newspaper. Stores will be required to offer recyclable paper bags or reusable bags instead. Violators will face fine ranging from warning on first offense to $100 on third.

The ban on plastic bags at large and mid-sized groceries in Boston had gone into effect on December 14. The ban is currently applicable to stores larger than 20,000 square feet. Stores larger than 10,000 square feet will have to comply by April 2019. By July next year, the ban will become applicable to all stores.