ICYMI: Plastic Bag Law Goes Into Effect In Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, MA—Hey Framingham shoppers - come January, you won't be getting plastic bags at the checkout counter anymore.

The Plastic Bag Reduction Bylaw goes into effect on Jan. 1. Under this bylaw, according to an announcement from city officials, thin-film single-use plastic bags with handles are prohibited from being distributed at checkout. Thin-film plastic bags used to contain dry cleaning, newspapers, produce, meat, bulk foods, wet items, and other similar merchandise, typically without handles, are still permissible.

All retail establishments that provide a checkout bag to customers, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, household good stores, and other retailers must comply with this bylaw, which doesn't affect restaurants.

"This bylaw seeks to reduce the number of plastic bags that are distributed, and promote the use of reusable checkout bags," said the announcement. "This will help protect the marine environment, advance solid waste reduction, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect waterways."

Framingham is one of 60 communities in Massachusetts that has now passed laws to regulate plastic bags.

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