HD 2924 requires food service providers (like restaurants, grocery stores, and cafeterias) to charge customers a $0.01 fee per transaction for single-use disposable containers when reusable options aren’t used. The fee funds the Clean Environment Fund, which supports waste reduction, recycling, composting, and environmental programs. It exempts food consumed on-premises (e.g., sit-down dining) and pre-packaged items sold by manufacturers. Providers face fines up to $150 for repeated violations of the fee requirement.
This bill restricts the distribution of single-use plastic straws in food establishments. It requires restaurants, cafes, and other food service businesses to provide plastic straws only when a customer specifically requests one. Businesses violating this rule face a written warning for the first offense, then fines up to $25 per day (max $300 annually) for repeated violations. The law specifically targets plastic straws made from petroleum or plant-based plastics, while allowing alternatives like paper, bamboo, or wood straws. It directly affects food businesses operating under state food codes.
HD 3168 requires Massachusetts municipalities to report annual residential waste data and reduce waste disposal to under 500 pounds per person per year. If a town exceeds this limit, it must adopt a zero-waste program within one year that meets international standards (e.g., prioritizing reuse and recycling over burning). Municipalities must submit waste reports by June 30 each year, starting in 2024, and the state will implement a statewide program if the average waste per person remains above 500 pounds by July 2025. The bill directly affects all Massachusetts towns providing residential waste services.
HD 3349 requires beverage and product companies (called "producers") to pay fees based on the amount of packaging they use. These fees fund a new program managed by a nonprofit organization to develop reusable/refillable systems, reimburse local governments for recycling costs, and support education. The bill defines "recyclable" packaging as materials that can be sorted and reused without advanced recycling methods like incineration or chemical processing. It directly affects manufacturers, brands, and importers of packaged goods sold in the state, shifting recycling funding responsibility from taxpayers to producers. The law aims to reduce overall recycling costs by creating a dedicated funding stream for packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure.
HD 3319 requires all Massachusetts cities and towns offering curbside trash collection to also provide curbside recycling pickup. It mandates that waste drop-off sites must offer recycling services. The bill prohibits mixing recyclable materials with trash destined for disposal and requires waste collectors to provide single- or dual-stream recycling collection for all residential and commercial customers at least once every other week, using appropriately sized containers. This directly affects municipalities, waste collection services, and residents/commercial businesses in Massachusetts.
HD 3635 requires Massachusetts' Department of Energy Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection, to review the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) program. The review must assess the program's effectiveness in advancing affordable renewable energy development and identify improvement opportunities. The departments must submit a final report with findings and recommendations to state legislative committees within one year of the bill's effective date. This bill directly affects how Massachusetts manages its renewable energy targets and the agencies responsible for implementing the RPS program.
This bill prohibits energy facilities from burning construction and demolition waste as fuel due to the risk of releasing toxic chemicals like arsenic compounds into the air. It directly affects energy-generating facilities that previously used such waste as fuel, requiring them to stop this practice immediately. The bill mandates the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to update facility regulations within 60 days to enforce the ban, allowing temporary suspensions of permits to implement the change quickly. The law aims to protect public health by preventing exposure to hazardous substances from burning treated building materials.
HD 2219 creates three new grant programs to support Massachusetts' "blue economy" (ocean-related industries). It establishes a competitive grant program for small businesses to transition to a circular economy (keeping materials in use longer), prioritizing minority-owned, women-owned, and businesses serving environmental justice communities. A separate grant program funds research and technology development for ocean health, prioritizing projects benefiting marine environments, using proven technology, promoting equity, and using time-series data. Finally, it creates a Blue Economy Education Fund to expand ocean-focused STEAM (science, tech, engineering, art, math) education and job training in high schools, prioritizing schools in environmental justice communities. All grants require measurable economic benefits to Massachusetts.
HD 2792 prohibits food establishments and retail stores in Massachusetts from using, selling, or distributing polystyrene containers and packaging starting one year after the law takes effect. It specifically bans foam and rigid polystyrene for disposable food service ware (like takeout containers), meat/fish trays, packing materials (including peanuts), and certain products like coolers or pool toys. The law exempts personal use of polystyrene bought outside Massachusetts, prepared food packaged elsewhere without repackaging, and allows up to six months of temporary relief for businesses facing undue hardship. This directly affects restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, and food trucks operating within the state.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 571) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Dylan A. Fernandes and Manny Cruz for legislation to save recycling costs in the commonwealth. Environment and Natural Resources.
