Massachusetts has not enacted a statewide polystyrene ban, but dozens of cities and towns prohibit foam food containers, and state procurement rules limit foam in agency purchases.
Massachusetts allows municipalities to restrict expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam containers for food service, and over 70 cities and towns including Boston, Cambridge, and Amherst have done so. State procurement policies under Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs guidelines limit agency purchases of EPS products. Statewide bills to ban polystyrene have been introduced but not passed. Local ordinances typically cover food service ware but exempt prepackaged retail foods, with phased compliance dates and small business exemptions.
Local fines range from $100 to $300 per day for non-compliant retailers, with most ordinances providing warning periods before assessment of penalties.
Bristol County, MA
Amplified music in Bristol County cities requires entertainment licenses from the local licensing board. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton each regulate o...
Bristol County, MA
New Bedford and Fall River ban on-street overnight parking during declared winter snow emergencies. Taunton has no blanket overnight ban but enforces posted ...
Bristol County, MA
EV charger installations in Bristol County require electrical permit under 527 CMR 12. Massachusetts Stretch Code and Specialized Code (780 CMR Appendix 115....
Somerset, MA
Somerset's Zoning By-Law governs fence height. Boundary walls and fences over six (6) feet in height trigger zoning-review requirements. Corner-lot visibilit...
Bristol County, MA
Fence materials in Bristol County cities follow local zoning bylaws. Wood, vinyl, and wrought iron are standard. Historic districts in New Bedford and Taunto...
Bristol County, MA
MassWildlife (MGL ch. 131 §5A as amended) prohibits intentional feeding of black bears statewide. Bristol County cities restrict feeding of deer, turkeys, an...
See how Somerset's polystyrene foam rules rules stack up against other locations.
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