Burlington Will Allow Use Of Plastic Bags Through Sept. 20

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington businesses will be allowed to give out single-use plastic bans for two more months, after a Board of Selectmen vote Monday evening.

Early in the coronavirus crisis, the state ordered that plastic bag bans be suspended, requiring businesses in towns like Burlington to order plastic bags to give to customers. The state recently rescinded that order, meaning the town's ban went back into effect on July 10.

The board voted Monday to direct town officials to allow businesses to use up their bags though Sept. 20.

Town public health officials are not concerned about reusable bags from a coronavirus safety standpoint, Town Administrator Paul Sagarino. But town officials want to help businesses on the margins, including by letting them use the bags they have already purchased.

The full meeting is available here from BCAT.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.