Nearly 140 cities and towns in Massachusetts have restricted single-use plastic bags, creating a patchwork of local laws, that lawmakers and environmental groups want to replace with a blanket, statewide prohibition. A number of proposals to phase out single-use plastic bags in convenience stores and supermarkets are expected to be considered in the upcoming two-year legislative session. They include one filed by Rep. Lori Ehrlich, D-Marblehead, that would allow retailers to charge a 10-cent fee for reusable and recycled paper bags.
Supporters of a statewide ban say single-use plastic bags clog the waste stream and litter oceans, parks and beaches. “There is too much waste — in our neighborhoods, our parks, our playgrounds and our environment,” said Janet Domenitz, executive director of the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group. “The pandemic has only made the situation worse so we need to take action now.”
The food industry supports a uniform ban on plastic bags to replace the patchwork of local restrictions and create an “even playing field” for businesses. “There’s so many different local restrictions now and that makes it difficult for the industry, especially multi-store or multi-state operators,” said Brian Houghton, senior vice president for governmental affairs and communications for the Massachusetts Food Association, which represents supermarkets and other food retailers. “It’s really getting to a tipping point.”