Bill > H4826

This bill aims to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags in retail establishments in Massachusetts. It prohibits retail establishments from providing customers with single-use plastic bags, unless they offer recyclable paper bags or reusable bags for purchase. The bill sets standards for these alternative bags, including requiring a minimum amount of postconsumer recycled material. It also establishes a fee of at least $0.10 for each recyclable paper bag provided, with the revenue going to the municipalities for various environmental and litter reduction programs. The bill includes some exemptions for certain types of bags and retail establishments, and provides for enforcement and penalties for violations. The bill will take effect 6 months after passage, with the enforcement provisions taking effect on January 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (J)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4826