SANDWICH – Three more Cape Cod towns implemented bans January 1 on the type of plastic bags used at retail stores.
Bourne, Mashpee and Sandwich joined a growing list of communities that have enacted the prohibition, citing environmental reasons.
The ban includes single-use plastic bags that measure 3 mil in thickness.
In addition to being harmful to the environment and animals, supporters of the bans say it helps reduce litter.
Retailers who don’t comply with eventually face increasing fines for non-compliance.
Other Cape Cod towns that previously enacted bans include Wellfleet, Truro, Provincetown, Falmouth, Barnstable, Chatham, Harwich and Yarmouth.
All Martha’s Vineyard towns and Nantucket also have similar plastic bag bans.
According to the environmental group Massgreen.org, at least 61 cities and towns in Massachusetts now have plastic bag bans.