Waltham's Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban To Go Into Effect June 25

WALTHAM, MA — The City of Waltham's single-use plastic bag ban will take effect on Saturday, June 25.

The ordinance, Chapter 8, Article XV, "Reduction of Plastic Bags," was approved in December and prohibits Waltham retailers from providing since-use plastic checkout bags to any customer for the purpose of enabling them to carry goods from the point of sale.

This means that retailers who do provide checkout bags to customers must begin using recyclable paper bags or reusable bags. All existing stock of single-use plastic bags must be used by June 24 or properly disposed of on June 25.

This ordinance may be enforced by Waltham Board of Health agents. The penalty structure for non-compliance includes written warnings and fines ranging from $50 to $100 for subsequent offenses.

Anyone with questions about the ordinance may contact the Waltham Health Department at 781-314-3305.