Somerville’s plastic bag ban begins next week
Somerville residents may want to start stocking up on reusable grocery bags: The city’s plastic bag ban goes into effect on September 1.The Plastic Bag Ordinance, passed last November, applies to single-use, plastic shopping bags given to customers at checkout, according to the city’s website.By September 1, businesses with more than 10,000 square feet of floor space have to be in compliance with the ban. Smaller businesses must comply by December 1. Retail establishments are being asked by the city to start promoting the use of reusable bags and paper bags instead. The ban aims to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags in order to protect marine life, reduce solid waste and harmful emissions, and protect water canals, the city said.The city’s website noted that the first offense of the ban will result in a warning to the business, but any subsequent violations will carry a fine. Businesses are encouraged to offer discounts to consumers who bring their own reusable bags to establishments, the city said.Business owners can attend an information session on September 13, from 10 to 11 a.m., or September 29, from 6 to 7 p.m., in order to be ready for the second launch date. The meetings will be held on the second floor of City Hall at 93 Highland Ave.Somerville’s website also offered a list of vendors selling compliant bags to businesses, with local and independently owned suppliers highlighted.
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