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H 914

An Act to create fees for single use disposable food containers

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle Ciccolo

Massachusetts proposes charging fees on single-use food containers to reduce waste and incentivize reusable alternatives, affecting restaurants and consumers statewide.

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 914

Legislative bill overview

H 914 proposes implementing fees on single-use disposable food containers in Massachusetts, likely applying to items like takeout boxes, foam cups, and plastic clamshells. The bill aims to reduce waste and environmental pollution by making disposable containers more costly, incentivizing businesses and consumers to use reusable alternatives.

Why is this important

Single-use food containers constitute a significant portion of municipal waste and ocean pollution, with many ending up in landfills or ecosystems for decades. Fee-based policies have shown effectiveness in other jurisdictions at reducing consumption patterns and generating revenue that can fund waste management or environmental programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic burden on businesses and consumers: Restaurants, food vendors, and low-income consumers may face increased costs, with concerns that fees disproportionately impact small businesses and essential food access
  • Implementation complexity: Determining which containers qualify, setting appropriate fee levels, and enforcing compliance across diverse food service operations presents administrative challenges
  • Market alternatives uncertainty: Success depends on whether viable, affordable reusable or compostable alternatives exist at scale; if not, fees may simply increase costs without reducing waste

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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