Last year, Mayor Marty Walsh officially signed the plastic bag ban ordinance banning single-use plastic shopping bags in the City of Boston.
So what does this mean? Well, it means, you’ll either need to be bring reusable bags when you go to the supermarket or you’ll be charged a nickel (minimum fee) for one. Also, plastic bags less than 3 millimeters thick will be banned.
Just the Facts:
The Plastic Bag Ban ordinance includes the following:
• A five cent minimum fee will be charged for bags provided at checkout; those bags must meet requirements of being reusable, recyclable or compostable.
• If retailers violate the ordinance more than once in a year, they can incur penalties of $50 for the first offense and $100 for each additional offense.
• If retailers feel like the new ordinance is a burden on them they can, under specific circumstances, receive a temporary exemption.
The proposed ordinance was sponsored by Councilors Matt O’Malley and Michelle Wu.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
