Temporary ban on reusable bags in Massachusetts rescinded

A temporary ban on reusable bags in Massachusetts has now been lifted.

According to an order put in place in late March by Governor Baker, grocery store and pharmacy employees were not allowed to bag retail products if reusable checkout bags were used. Customers at grocery stores and pharmacies were not allowed to use reusable checkout bags until further notice.

Also, grocery stores and pharmacies, food banks and emergency food programs subject to municipal ordinances or regulations banning single-use plastic bags were allowed to use recyclable paper bags, compostable plastic bags or single-use plastic bags.

On Friday, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Monica Bharel, rescinded the order which also reinstitutes the plastic bag ban in the communities who have them in addition to lifting the ban on reusable bags.