MA S439

Bill

To reduce plastic packaging waste

Introduced
01/22/2019

In Committee
01/22/2019

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to establish the Sustainable Food Service Ware Act. Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

AI Summary

This bill aims to reduce plastic packaging waste by establishing the Sustainable Food Service Ware Act. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring all retail food establishments in the state to use biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, or reusable food service ware (such as containers, plates, cups, utensils, etc.) for any food prepared or packaged on the premises, starting January 1, 2021. 2. Strongly encouraging all food establishments to use reusable food service ware instead of disposable alternatives for food served on the premises. 3. Giving the Department of Environmental Protection the authority to promulgate regulations for enforcing this new law. The bill defines key terms like "biodegradable," "compostable," "disposable food service ware," "food establishment," "recyclable," and "reusable products" to provide clarity on the requirements. This legislation is aimed at reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastic packaging waste generated by the food service industry.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (4)

Mike Connolly (D), Cynthia Creem (D), Julian Cyr (D), Mary Keefe (D),

Last Action

Accompanied H743 (on 07/29/2019)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S439

(8 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S439
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S439.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H2772	To promote cost savings through the use of public water	Accompanied a study order, see H5103	Similar To
H4084	To restrict, reduce, and minimize the use and distribution of single-use plastic straws in Massachusetts	Accompanied a new draft, see S2450	Similar To
H743	To reduce packaging waste	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means	Replaced by
H771	Reducing plastic bag pollution	Accompanied a new draft, see H3945	Similar To
H857	Restricting distribution of single-use plastic straws	Accompanied a new draft, see S2450	Similar To
H859	To improve plastic bottles and their recycling	Accompanied a study order, see H5124	Similar To
S1834	Establishing plastic pollution action day in the commonwealth	Read; and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling	Similar To
S462	Reducing plastic bag pollution	Accompanied a study order, see S2540	Similar To

Bill > S439

MA S439

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

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