Massachusetts town renews push to enforce ban on plastic bottles under 34 ounces

In Oak Bluffs, officials are again urging local stores to comply with a plastic bottle ban that voters approved in 2021, and that has proved hard to enforce.

The Massachusetts town's select board agreed to send businesses another notice about the bylaw, part of a renewed attempt to reduce waste and explain which drinks remain permitted.

Here's what to know

Created with the Vineyard Conservation Society, the letter tells retailers that Oak Bluffs prohibits the sale of most single-use plastic bottles under 34 ounces.

The ban was adopted by Oak Bluffs voters in 2021 after Plastic Free MV — a campaign led by Island schoolchildren — pushed for action on plastic waste, as the Vineyard Gazette reported. The outlet also noted that each of Martha's Vineyard's six towns has enacted some form of the restriction.

Under the bylaw, the restriction covers unflavored, uncarbonated water and soft drinks sold in plastic bottles smaller than 34 ounces. Juice, plain carbonated water, and protein or energy drinks are exempt.

According to select board chair Dion Alley, putting the rule into practice has been challenging.

"The way the bylaw is written, it makes [enforcement] kind of difficult," Alley said. "We tried to do this with a soft-handed approach … and we're just asking for all of our businesses to comply."

More background

Prohibited bottles are still available at some shops, and some newer businesses may be unaware of the rule. For smaller retailers, switching products or finding new suppliers can also bring extra expense and hassle.

In April, the select board asked the board of health for help enforcing the bylaw, but the request was denied due to limited resources and competing priorities, according to the Gazette. Oak Bluffs health agent Alexa Arieta told the Gazette, "While the single-use plastic water bottle ban is important, and we can appreciate the intent of the students and the organizations that put this [ban] together, it's not something that I think the board of health feels is appropriate for them to take on at this time."

Select board member Emma Green-Beach has said the concern extends beyond litter that is visible.

"Plastics are causing a public health crisis on a very high level," she told the Gazette in April.

What's being done?

Officials are emphasizing outreach. In the joint letter, Oak Bluffs and the Vineyard Conservation Society lay out the beverages covered by the ban, note the exemptions, and provide businesses with clearer instructions on compliance.

The letter also speaks to the difficulties business owners have raised.

"We recognize that adapting to new requirements can be challenging," the letter reads, according to the Gazette. "If you have questions or need assistance finding alternative products, we encourage you to reach out."

Zada Clarke, director of advocacy and community organizing for the Vineyard Conservation Society, said the organization has been auditing businesses across the Island.

"It's great news that a lot of folks are in compliance, but a lot of new businesses aren't aware," Clarke said.

Town officials also see the reminder as a way to carry out the vote's outcome while offering retailers another opportunity to come into compliance. As select board member Bill Cleary put it, "At the end of the day, the voters voted on it, it's what they wanted."

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