Cambridge's Single-Use Items: The Rules That Matter

If you live in Cambridge or are thinking about moving there, single-use items are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Cambridge has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of single-use items, and some of them might surprise you.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Cambridge Code Chapter 8.70 bars food establishments, including school cafeterias, from dispensing prepared food in disposable containers made of polystyrene foam. The rule covers plates, cups, bowls, trays, hinged containers, straws, cup lids and utensils. The Commissioner of Public Works can grant hardship exemptions of up to six months, renewable once, and administers the fine of up to $300 per day.

Key details: Governing chapter: Cambridge Code Ch. 8.70 (Ord. 1374, 10/19/2015). Core prohibition: No polystyrene disposable food containers to customers. Maximum fine: $300 per day, each day a separate offense. Exemption: Up to 6 months, renewable once, for hardship. Enforcing officials: DPW Commissioner, License Commission, ISD, Health Commission.

Section 8.70.070 sets a fine of up to $300 for each violation, with every day a food establishment keeps dispensing polystyrene containers counting as a separate offense. Violations are handled through non-criminal disposition under G.L. c. 40, Section 21D rather than criminal court, and any of the four named enforcing officials, or their designees, can issue the citation.

This is one of the stricter rules in Cambridge's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Plastic Bag Rules

Cambridge retailers cannot hand out thin single-use plastic checkout bags. Under the Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance, any bag given at checkout must be a recyclable paper bag or a heavy-duty reusable bag, and the store must charge a per-bag fee set by the Public Works Commissioner.

Key details: Effective date: One year after 2015 enactment. Allowed checkout bags: Recyclable paper or reusable only. Reusable bag minimum thickness: 3.0 mils plastic, or durable fabric. Recycled content minimum: 40% post-consumer, paper bags. Max fine: $300 per day.

Providing a customer with a disposable plastic checkout bag, or a recyclable paper or compostable bag without charging the required fee, violates § 8.68.040. Enforcement personnel, including the Commissioner of Public Works, the License Commission and Inspectional Services, can fine a retailer up to $300 per violation, with each day of continued noncompliance counted separately under § 8.68.070.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Cambridge actively enforces its plastic bag rules requirements.

The Bottom Line

Cambridge is tougher than many cities when it comes to single-use items. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Cambridge, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Cambridge can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.