Around New England

War on Plastic Bags Comes To Boston Friday, December 14

December 11, 2018

A ban on thin-film plastic bags common at supermarkets and drug stores goes into effect in Boston on Friday, December 14.

Stores can offer thicker reusable plastic bags, but must charge at least 5 cents per bag, according to the ordinance.

Supporters say the ban will help the environment. Opponents are skeptical about the environmental benefit and unhappy with the effect on people trying to get groceries and other items home as cheaply as possible.

The Boston City Council unanimously voted for the ordinance in November 2017. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh signed the ordinance in mid-December 2017.

About 90 cities and towns in Massachusetts have ordinances banning thin-film plastic bags, an official from the Retailers Association of Massachusetts told The Daily Free Press at Boston University.