Plastic Bag Rules: Boston vs Chelsea
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea has fewer restrictions than Boston.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
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.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
Massachusetts has no statewide plastic bag ban or preemption, allowing over 160 cities and towns to enact their own single-use plastic bag prohibitions under home-rule authority.
View full Chelsea rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Are plastic bags banned in Boston?
Yes. Single-use thin-film plastic carryout bags have been banned at all Boston retailers since December 14, 2018. Compostable plastic, paper, and reusable bags are allowed.
How much is the bag fee in Boston?
At least 5 cents per paper, compostable, or reusable bag. The retailer keeps the fee.
Does Massachusetts have a statewide plastic bag ban?
Not yet. As of 2026, no statewide ban has been enacted, so individual cities and towns (including Boston, Cambridge, and over 150 others) set their own rules.
Chelsea FAQ
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