[HISTORY: Adopted as indicated in article
histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 5-6-2019 ATM by Art. 25]
The production and use of thin film single-use plastic bags
have detrimental impacts on the environment, wildlife and natural
beauty of Dover. This includes the potential death of marine life
through ingestion and entanglement, along with adding to the immense
pollution of land and sea ecosystems. Also, it burdens solid waste
collection and recycling facilities, clogs storm drains, and require
millions of barrels of crude oil for their manufacturing. The purpose
of this bylaw is to ban the use of thin film single-use plastic bags
by all retail stores and restaurants in the Town of Dover.
As used in this bylaw, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A bag with handles that is specifically designed for multiple
use and is made of thick plastic, cloth, fabric, or other durable
materials.
Bags with a thickness of 2.5 mm or less and which are intended
for single-use transport of purchased products.
A.Â
Thin film single-use plastic bags shall not be distributed or sold
for checkout or other purposes at any retail stores or restaurants
within the Town of Dover, MA.
B.Â
Customers are encouraged to bring their own reusable checkout bag.
As well, retail stores and restaurants are strongly encouraged to
provide reusable checkout bags for sale at a reasonable price.
C.Â
Thin film single-use plastic bags without handles that are used to
contain produce, meat, bulk foods, wet items, newspapers, dry cleaning,
and other similar merchandise will not be subject to this bylaw.
A.Â
This bylaw shall go into effect three months after approval by the
Attorney General, giving businesses time to prepare for and adjust
to the change.
B.Â
The Town Administrator shall be responsible for the enforcement of
this bylaw. He/she will determine the inspection process, incorporating
the process into other Town duties as appropriate.
C.Â
The Town Administrator shall be authorized to permit a six-month
implementation waiver for extenuating circumstances upon request as
he/she sees fit.
