Phase 1 of 'Bring Your Own Bag' Ordinance Starts July 1

The plastic bag ordinance that was unanimously passed by the Board of Aldermen in December of 2017 will begin to take effect on July 1. 

As you know, the purpose of this ordinance is to reduce the number of single-use plastic bags that are being used, discarded, and/or littered and to promote the use of reusable bags and recyclable paper bags in Melrose.

The first stage beginning on July 1, only applies to our largest retail stores (over 8,000 sq. feet): Shaw’s, Whole Foods, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Hunt’s Photo and Video. It’s not too early to get into the habit of bringing your own bag when you go shopping, though. All other local businesses will be required to comply by October 1.

Under the ordinance, stores cannot supply thin, single-use plastic bags at checkout. Customers can bring their own or the store can supply a recyclable paper bag. 

To help with implementation, the Recycling Committee, which sponsored the ordinance, has set up “swap bins” in City Hall, the library, and the Milano Center where residents can pick up reusable bags—or drop off their extras.

Click here for more information.