Massachusetts Senate Bill S570

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 1/18/24
• Report Pass: 6/17/24

Caption

To reduce plastics

Impact

The bill aims to have a significant impact on state laws concerning environmental protection and waste management. By prohibiting retail establishments from providing plastic bags and requiring them to charge for reusable bags, it addresses the increasing concerns around plastic waste and its effects on the environment. Additionally, there will be an annual assessment conducted by the Department of Environmental Protection to evaluate the volume of packaging production and its subsequent disposal. This will help inform future legislative measures and encourage more sustainable practices across the state.

Summary

Bill S570, also known as the Massachusetts Plastics Reduction Act, seeks to amend existing laws to promote the reduction of plastic usage in the Commonwealth. It introduces definitions for key terms such as 'biodegradable', 'compostable', and 'disposable', which will help clarify the scope of the regulations. The bill imposes restrictions on retail establishments regarding the provision of carryout bags, mandating that only recycled paper or reusable bags can be used, and setting a minimum charge for these bags. This is intended to encourage the use of more sustainable packaging options and reduce single-use plastics in the state.

Contention

Points of contention may arise from retailers and business organizations concerned about the economic impact of the new regulations, particularly small businesses that may find it challenging to adapt. The bill also establishes penalties for non-compliance, which has the potential to provoke debate over fairness and enforcement. There is a concern regarding how these changes might disproportionately affect smaller retailers compared to larger chains. The possibility of providing exceptions for certain businesses based on their size and operational capacity has been introduced, which may lead to further discussion among legislators and stakeholders.