Single-Use Items in Boston, MA (2026)
4 verified single-use items rules for Boston, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Plastic Bag Rules
Boston banned thin single-use plastic carryout bags effective December 14, 2018, phased in by store size. Retailers must offer compostable plastic (BPI-certified), recyclable paper, or reusable bags and charge at least 5 cents per bag. The Massachusetts state legislature has considered a statewide ban repeatedly but has not enacted one.
Boston Plastic Bag Ban (Ordinance 7-1.4)
Heavy RestrictionsPolystyrene Foam Rules
Boston bans polystyrene foam foodware including cups, plates, clamshells, and trays at restaurants, cafeterias, and city facilities, requiring compostable, recyclable, or reusable alternatives instead.
Boston polystyrene foam foodware ban
Heavy RestrictionsPlastic Straw Rules
Boston food establishments cannot provide plastic straws by default and must use compostable or paper alternatives, but plastic straws remain available on customer request for accessibility and medical reasons.
Boston plastic straw default ban with medical exception
Some RestrictionsUtensils-On-Request
Boston requires food establishments to provide single-use utensils, straws, condiment packets, and napkins only when a customer requests them, reducing the default packaging given with takeout and delivery orders.
Boston single-use foodware on customer request only
Some RestrictionsLooking for Suffolk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boston city rules.
Single-Use Items in Suffolk County →