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Limiting Plastics
Status
Passed by Senate
Bill
An Act to reduce plastics
Plastic products like bags, straws, and plasticware pollute streets and waterways and end up in landfills. They also are made with petroleum, can harm people’s health, and hinderMassachusetts’ climate goals. This bill would curb the use of plastic products that end up as waste, creating a healthier environment and supporting residents with living healthy lives. The bill was passed by the Senate on June 20, 2024.
Highlights
- Prohibits all carry-out plastic bags at checkout from retail stores.
- Requires retailers to charge 10 cents for a recycled paper bag or a non-plastic reusable bag at checkout.
- Makes straws and plasticware available by request only.
- Prohibits state agencies from purchasing single-use plastic bottles.
- Creates a statewide program for the recycling of large plastic objects, such as car seats.
- Requires non-flushable wipes to be clearly labeled with “Do Not Flush” warnings to prevent disruptions to the Commonwealth’s sewer system.
""From microplastics in our blood to plastic bags in our waterways to greenhouse gasesin our air, plastics pollute and harm our people and planet. The Plastic Reduction Act will prevent billions of single-use plastic bags, bottles, cutlery and wipes from clogging up our environment, pipes, and landfills each year. This is a major win for our climate, our wildlife, and our health."
- Senator Rebecca L. Rausch (D-Needham)
- Senator Rebecca L. Rausch (D-Needham)
