Say goodbye to plastic bags in Boston

BOSTON – The City of Boston recently passed an ordinance to lower the environmental impact of single-use plastic bags from local stores, working with retailers to transition away from them. New bags will cost at least five cents each and the city is urging consumers to bring their own reusable bags. The program begins in December. For more information, visit boston.gov/plastic-bags or email Stephanie Acquario at stephanie.acquario@boston.gov, or call 617-635-1761.

Businesses violating the new ordinance will be issued a warning for the first violation and if the same establishment is found to be in violation again, will be charged a $50 fee. Any additional violations in the same calendar year will result in a $100 fine.

The ordinance may be seen at https: http://www.boston.gov/departments/environment/reducing-plastic-bags-city-boston.Call Weights and Measures Department at 617-635-5328 with additional questions.