Dive Brief:
- A plastic bag and polystyrene container ban will be heard in Hamilton, MA, this week.
- The proposal to eradicate the two materials was initiated by the Board of Health (BOH) and is backed by the town’s recycling committee. The main argument in favor of the ban is to save the environment from being lettered with the non-biodegradable material.
- According to feedback obtained by the BOH regarding the bag ban, an overwhelming majority are in favor of a ban. Conversely, some residents aren’t fans of rules being imposed upon them, and others aren’t sure what to use in lieu of plastic bags for certain activities that call for a bag.
Dive Insight:
If the vote to ban plastic bags and styrofoam containers is passed at the town meeting, the proposal will then be reviewed by the state. If the measure is approved, businesses will have one year to comply. Violations are expected to cost $25 to $300, depending upon the infraction.
On March 31, Cambridge, MA, became the largest town in the state to ban single-use plastic bags. The ban comes after many years of consideration about the topic, with the accepted version of the ordinance including a paper bag fee.
