Planning Board delays plastic bag and polystyrene ban, seeks revised exemption language.

Planning Board · Meeting of April 29, 2026

BOXBOROUGH — Planning Board defers plastic bag and polystyrene bylaw pending staff revisions. The board discussed a proposed bylaw with Economic Development Committee Chair Abby Reip, who requested a phased implementation after noting that business notification has been incomplete. Town Planner Alexander Wade reported he contacted four food service businesses directly, distributed surveys, and attended meetings with the Finance Committee, Select Board, Sustainability Committee, and Conservation Commission; only two survey responses were received.

Member Rich Guzzardi expressed concern the bylaw had expanded beyond an initial plastic bag focus and suggested striking packaging material provisions. Member Mark White stressed the need for clear definitions of covered items and pushed for later implementation dates. Two Friends Chocolates owner Lala Selveraj raised concerns about confusion over business classification and impact on her seasonal wholesale and retail operations.

Wade agreed to revise Section 3 implementation timelines and Section 4 hardship exemption language for board review.

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Source: the Planning Board meeting of April 29, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.