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.
Unlike many states, Massachusetts has not preempted local plastic bag regulation, and the legislature has not enacted a statewide ban. As a result, more than 160 municipalities including Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, and Somerville have adopted local ordinances banning thin-film plastic checkout bags or imposing fees on paper alternatives. These local rules vary in coverage, exemptions, and penalty structures. Statewide bills have been introduced repeatedly under MGL Chapter 21H but have not passed. Retailers operating across multiple municipalities must track local requirements carefully.
Local ordinances typically impose fines from $50 to $300 per violation, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders set by individual city or town bylaws.
Springfield, MA
Springfield prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and to...
Springfield, MA
Springfield regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new ...
Springfield, MA
Springfield regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Springfield, MA
Springfield requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Springfield, MA
Springfield requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Springfield, MA
Springfield restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nui...
See how Springfield's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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