State Legislation in Massachusetts
State legislation plays a critical role in preserving natural resources and protecting the environment, serving as a vital mechanism for enacting laws that safeguard ecosystems at the local and regional level. While federal policies can set broad guidelines, state governments are often in the best position to address specific environmental challenges unique to their regions, from water conservation to wildlife protection.
Through thoughtful, forward-thinking legislation, states can implement policies that regulate pollution, promote renewable energy, and conserve critical habitats, all while holding industries accountable for their environmental impact. Strong state laws not only help mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity but also empower communities to take an active role in shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
The following information provides updates on local legislation. Striving for Sustainability does not attempt to influence legislation and does not intervene in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
MA H3676: TO UPDATE THE BOTTLE BILL
SUMMARY FROM BILL TRACK: This bill seeks to update Massachusetts’ Bottle Bill, a law for depositing containers of carbonated beverages. It defines the technical terms for terms like ‘beverage’, ‘beverage container’, ‘consumer’, ‘dealer’, ‘distributor’, ‘label’, ‘producer’, ‘recyclable’, ‘rigid plastic container’, among others. The bill proposes that every beverage container sold or offered for sale should have a refund value of at least 10 cents, which would increase to match inflation after three years. It also introduces the establishment of a Clean Environment Fund and sets targets for recycling. The main aim of the bill is to encourage recycling by providing economic incentives. Every consumer who purchases a beverage container deposits a refund value with the dealer and can get that value back when returning the container. To discourage the use of harmful substances, the bill stipulates that no person or entity may sell, distribute, or offer for sale any beverage container containing specific toxic substances and certain types of plastic starting two years after the law is in effect. It also allows any citizen of the commonwealth to bring an action in court against any person, producer, or agency to enforce the sections of this bill. The act will take effect 180 days after its passage.
MA H3691: AN ACT RELATIVE TO HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS
SUMMARY FROM BILL TRACK: This bill seeks to update Massachusetts’ Bottle Bill, a law for depositing containers of carbonated beverages. It defines the technical terms for terms like ‘beverage’, ‘beverage container’, ‘consumer’, ‘dealer’, ‘distributor’, ‘label’, ‘producer’, ‘recyclable’, ‘rigid plastic container’, among others. The bill proposes that every beverage container sold or offered for sale should have a refund value of at least 10 cents, which would increase to match inflation after three years. It also introduces the establishment of a Clean Environment Fund and sets targets for recycling. The main aim of the bill is to encourage recycling by providing economic incentives. Every consumer who purchases a beverage container deposits a refund value with the dealer and can get that value back when returning the container. To discourage the use of harmful substances, the bill stipulates that no person or entity may sell, distribute, or offer for sale any beverage container containing specific toxic substances and certain types of plastic starting two years after the law is in effect. It also allows any citizen of the commonwealth to bring an action in court against any person, producer, or agency to enforce the sections of this bill. The act will take effect 180 days after its passage.
MA H767: TO REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS IN THE ENVIRONMENT
SUMMARY FROM BILL TRACK: This bill proposes several measures to reduce single-use plastics in the environment by regulating the sale and distribution of various plastic items across multiple industries. Specifically, the bill seeks to ban or limit the use of plastic grocery bags, polystyrene (commonly used in food service ware), plastic straws, helium balloons, small alcoholic beverage bottles (nips), wipes containing plastic, hotel toiletry bottles, single-serve plastic water bottles, and black plastic. Violations of the regulations applied to each of these items would result in fines, with certain exemptions applying in some cases. The bill also provides definitions for key terms and details the associated penalties for non-compliance.
MA H768: TO ENSURE PLASTIC BOTTLE RECYLCING
SUMMARY FROM BILL TRACK: This bill refers to an Act aimed at ensuring plastic bottle recycling. The Act sets out a timeline to increase the percentage of recycled plastic used in beverage containers in Massachusetts, step-by-step over two, five and eight years. The bill mandates that plastic beverage manufacturers and plastic material reclaimers must annually submit detailed reports to the Department of Environmental Protection indicating the amount and type of virgin and recycled plastic used in the covered beverage containers. Also, postconsumer recycled plastic manufacturers must annually report the quantity of food-grade material forms they sold, and their capacity to produce such material. The information, provided under penalty of perjury, will be published by the Department within 45 days of receipt. The act does not apply to refillable plastic beverage containers, medical devices, sterile medical products, and prescription medicine packaging.