Single-Use Items in Medford, MA (2026)
2 verified single-use items rules for Medford, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Plastic Bag Rules
In the City of Medford, Massachusetts, retail establishments cannot hand out thin-film plastic checkout bags under the Thin-film Plastic Bags Ordinance. Stores may offer recyclable paper or reusable bags instead, and violators face escalating fines that top out at $300 per day for a fourth or later offense.
Thin-film plastic checkout bag ban, Medford
Significant RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 38-41(a)-(b), § 38-43(d)
(a)Regulated activities.(1)Retail establishments shall not provide a thin-film plastic bag to a customer for use as a checkout bag.(2)Retail establishments may provide recyclable paper bags or reusable bags to its customers at the point of checkout.(3)Nothing in this article shall prohibit customers of a retail establishment from using bags of any type that they bring into the retail establishm...
Polystyrene Foam Rules
In the City of Medford, Massachusetts, the Polystyrene Container Ordinance bars food establishments and city facilities from dispensing prepared food in polystyrene containers. City departments and contractors performing city work also cannot purchase or use them, with fines up to $300 per offense for repeat violators.
Polystyrene food container ban, Medford
Significant RestrictionsMedford Revised Ordinances § 38-50(a), § 38-51(c)
(a)Regulated activities.(1)Except as provided herein, food establishments and city facilities are prohibited from dispensing prepared food to customers in disposable food service containers made from polystyrene.(2)City departments or agencies shall not purchase or use disposable food service containers made from Polystyrene while in the performance of official city duties. ... Second offense: ...