Bill > H914

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework to reduce single-use disposable food container waste in Massachusetts by creating new regulations and fees for food service providers. The legislation introduces a $0.01 fee per disposable container used when customers do not bring their own reusable containers, with all collected fees deposited into a new Clean Environment Fund dedicated to environmental protection, waste reduction, and climate change mitigation projects. The bill defines key terms like "food service provider" broadly to include restaurants, grocery stores, and mobile food vendors, and requires these establishments to offer customers the option of using reusable containers. New full-service restaurants will be required to use reusable food serviceware for on-premise dining, with exceptions for specific items like napkins and wrappers. The Department of Environmental Protection will be responsible for enforcing the law, with a graduated penalty system that starts with a written warning for first violations and escalates to fines up to $150 for subsequent violations. The bill also mandates educational outreach about the environmental and health impacts of single-use food serviceware, and includes provisions allowing local municipalities to implement even stricter regulations. Most provisions will take effect one year after enactment, with some immediate implementation of educational requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H914