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Single-Use Items in Boston, MA (2026)

1 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 bans thin single-use plastic checkout bags at retail establishments. Any bag a store hands out at checkout must be a reusable bag, a recyclable paper bag, or a compostable plastic bag meeting ASTM D6400, and stores must charge at least $0.05 per bag under City Code § 17-20.

Boston Checkout Bag Reduction Rules

Some Restrictions

Boston Code of Ordinances § 17-20.3

(A) If any retail establishment provides a checkout bag to customers, the bag shall comply with the requirements of being a reusable bag, a recyclable paper bag or a compostable plastic bag. (B) A retail establishment that provides any type of checkout bag shall sell them for no less than $0.05 per bag. All moneys collected pursuant to this Section shall be retained by the retail establishment....