[Adopted AFTM 11-18-2014, Art. 31, approved 2-19-2015]
The production and use of single-use plastic bags have significant
impacts on the marine and land environment of all coastal communities,
including but not limited to: contributing to the potential death
of marine and terrestrial animals through ingestion and entanglement;
contributing to pollution of the land and coastal environment; clogging
our storm drainage systems; creating a burden to our solid waste collection
and recycling efforts; and requiring the use of millions of barrels
of nonrenewable, polluting, fossil fuel nationally for their manufacture.
Therefore, the Town of Falmouth seeks to phase out the use of single-use
plastic bags by all retail establishments over a period of eighteen
(18) months from the effective date of this article.[1]
The purpose of this legislation is to phase out the usage of
single-use checkout bags by all retail establishments and take-out
restaurants in the Town of Falmouth.
[1]
Editor's Note: This article is effective 8-6-2016.
ESTABLISHMENT — Any business selling goods,
articles, food or personal services to the public, including take-out
restaurants.
A bag that is specifically designed for multiple use and
is made of cloth, fabric or other durable materials.
Bags made of plastic, with integral handles, and thickness
less than two and one half (2.5) mils, that are intended to be used
for the transport of products purchased at an establishment as defined
herein.
Single-use plastic bags shall not be distributed or sold at
any establishment within the Town of Falmouth. Existing stock of single-use
bags shall be phased out within eighteen (18) months of adoption of
this article any remaining stock shall be disposed of properly by
the establishment.
Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping
bags to stores. Establishments may provide reusable bags at no charge,
or charge a reasonable fee for each paper or other bag, as they desire.
Establishments are strongly encouraged to make reusable bags available
for sale to customers at a reasonable price.
Thin-film plastic bags used by establishments to contain dry
cleaning, newspapers, produce, meat, bulk foods, wet items and other
similar merchandise, typically without handles, are exempt from the
provisions of this article.
This article may be enforced by any Town police officer, enforcement
officers or agents of the Board of Health.
This article may be enforced through any lawful means in law
or in equity, including, but not limited to, noncriminal disposition
pursuant to MGL c. 40, § 21D and appropriate chapter of
the Town's General By-laws. If noncriminal disposition is elected,
then any establishment which violates any provision of this article
shall be subject to the following penalties:
First offense: fine of fifty dollars ($50).
Second offense: fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
Third and subsequent offense fine of two hundred dollars ($200).
Subsequent offenses shall be determined as offenses occurring
within two (2) years of the date of the first noticed offense. Each
day or portion thereof shall constitute a separate offense. If more
than one (1), each condition violated shall constitute a separate
offense.
