With the passing of the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance on March, 30th, Cambridge, MA has become the largest city on the east coast to ban single use plastic bags. This new law will take effect in March 2016. Food and retail services must replace plastic checkout bags with reusable bags or offer recyclable paper bags for 10 cents each. If not, they could be fined up to $300 dollars per day.
The city will also purchase 10,000 reusable bags for low-income residents and the elderly.
With the reduction of plastic waste, the city hopes to protect its marine environment, advance solid waste reduction and protect waterways. Getting people to use reusable shopping bags is better for everyone in the long run. There have been some Cambridge business owners that contest the ban but supporters argue that its environmental benefits outweigh any inconveniences it may cause.
To offset inconveniences caused by the ban, revenue generated by the paper bag fee will go directly to the establishment. Furthermore, businesses have the option to apply for an exemption from the ban in cases of “undue hardship.”
Cambridge joins the nearby towns of Newton, Brookline, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, which have passed similar legislation banning plastic bags.