Beacon Hill Civic Association

After years of debate, Boston Beacon Hill plastic bag ban has arrived. Boston Beacon Hill joined more than 87 other Massachusetts cities and towns in limiting the use of disposable plastic bags. As we try to get used to this change, we can feel good knowing that we are helping to limit the damage these thin bags do to our waterways, trash and sewage systems, and wildlife and human health.

The new rules prevent the use of the thin, plastic bags with carry handles, such as in a grocery store or takeout order in Beacon Hill. Instead, retailers must offer paper bags (with at least 40-percent recycled paper), compostable bags, or reusable thicker plastic bags, and they must charge at least 5 cents for each.

The rules are being phased in with the largest retailers and mid-size stores beginning April 1, 2019, and the smallest businesses coming last on July 1, 2019. (There are a few exemptions that you can learn more about it by clicking here.

The ‘bag ban’ does not include plastic newspaper bags, plastic wrapping on food, dry cleaning bags or trash bags. It also does not include dog waste disposal bags, although dog owners can be friends to the environment by choosing to buy biodegradable waste bags (readily available at Amazon and other pet supply stores).

We are encouraged to see Boston’s Beacon Hill trying to limit single use plastics and hope this effort leads to healthier outcomes in our neighborhood and our city.

Source: Beacon Hill Times