90+ communities within Massachusetts have banned single use plastic bags within their municipalities. A group of active residents have sent a draft ordinance to City Council for consideration. The Purpose of the ordinance is listed below.

The reduction in the use of single-use plastic bags is a public purpose that protects the land and marine environment and waterways, minimizes litter, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, single-use plastic bags create a burden for solid waste collection and recycling facilities, clog storm drainage systems, and require the use of millions of barrels of crude oil nationally for their manufacture. The purpose of this ordinance is to reduce the number of single-use plastic bags that are being used, discarded, and/or littered, and to promote the use of Reusable Bags and Recyclable Paper Bags by Retail Establishments in the City of Malden (the “City”).

Please sign if you agree Malden should move forward immediately with a single use plastic bag ban.