# Plastics: Massachusetts bans govt purchase of products in single use plastic containers **URL:** \ **Category:** Macro Economic Trends and Risks\ **Created:** [September 22, 2023, 7:06pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677 "2023-09-22T19:06:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pauleckler](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/pauleckler/32/2906_2.png) [@pauleckler](https://discussion.fool.com/u/pauleckler)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 7:06pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/1 "2023-09-22T19:06:23Z")
[https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/gov-healey-expected-to-sign-executive-order-banning-single-use-bottles-for-state-agencies/3141562/](https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/gov-healey-expected-to-sign-executive-order-banning-single-use-bottles-for-state-agencies/3141562/) " Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed[an executive order](https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-619-eliminating-the-purchase-by-the-executive-department-of-single-use-plastic-bottles) on Thursday banning state agencies from purchasing single-use plastic bottles. [Healey calls the ban, which centers around plastic bottles 21 ounces or less, “groundbreaking.”](https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/gov-healey-to-ban-all-state-agencies-from-purchasing-single-use-plastic-bottles/3138580/)" Will this have significant impact? Probably result in purchase of more products in metal containers. A step in the right direction? What about shampoo? Toothpaste? Can the restaurant buy gallon bottles of vinegar? Glass only? Metal? ---
**Author:** ![MarkR](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/markr/32/2011_2.png) [@MarkR](https://discussion.fool.com/u/MarkR)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 7:19pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/2 "2023-09-22T19:19:18Z")
> [@pauleckler](#): > > What about shampoo? Toothpaste? Can the restaurant buy gallon bottles of vinegar? Glass only? Metal? Do many state agencies purchase shampoo and toothpaste? Maybe homeless shelters? Also, how many restaurants are state agencies??? Cafeterias at govt offices maybe? ---
**Author:** ![pauleckler](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/pauleckler/32/2906_2.png) [@pauleckler](https://discussion.fool.com/u/pauleckler)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 7:26pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/3 "2023-09-22T19:26:32Z")
> [@MarkR](#): > > Do many state agencies purchase shampoo and toothpaste? Yes, in most states prisons and mental hospitals, etc are state agencies. ---
**Author:** ![MarkR](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/markr/32/2011_2.png) [@MarkR](https://discussion.fool.com/u/MarkR)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 7:41pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/4 "2023-09-22T19:41:49Z")
> [@pauleckler](#): > > in most states prisons and mental hospitals, etc are state agencies. Like you said, they probably buy gallon size containers. And those are larger than 21 ounces, so are permitted. Do prisons supply 16 oz (or 1/2 liter) bottles of water to their inmates? Or 20 oz gatorades? ---
**Author:** ![pauleckler](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/pauleckler/32/2906_2.png) [@pauleckler](https://discussion.fool.com/u/pauleckler)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2023, 8:47pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/5 "2023-09-22T20:47:34Z")
Yep, and gallon size toothpaste tubes sounds interesting. How about a return to lead tubes? ---
**Author:** ![Leap1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/leap1/32/72176_2.png) [@Leap1](https://discussion.fool.com/u/Leap1)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 2:02am UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/6 "2023-09-23T02:02:57Z")
None of that is the point. The heart of it is supporting factories that work with other than plastic. It makes such products come into being sooner as the norm. ---
**Author:** ![pauleckler](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/pauleckler/32/2906_2.png) [@pauleckler](https://discussion.fool.com/u/pauleckler)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 4:23am UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/7 "2023-09-23T04:23:35Z")
Yes, new systems can result in the ideal. But probably they will switch to aluminum or steel cans or bottles. They are already available and can easily be filled with water, etc. Whatever is needed. ---
**Author:** ![captainccs](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/captainccs/32/3775_2.png) [@captainccs](https://discussion.fool.com/u/captainccs)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 12:44pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/8 "2023-09-23T12:44:57Z")
> [@pauleckler](#): > > A step in the right direction? How about bio-degradable plastics? The Captain ---
**Author:** ![jerryab2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/jerryab2/32/3274_2.png) [@jerryab2](https://discussion.fool.com/u/jerryab2)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 5:50pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/9 "2023-09-23T17:50:30Z")
> **[The Hemp Plastic Company | Creating a Greener Future](https://hempplastic.com/)** > > Create a greener future with our eco-friendly, cost-effective, reliable hemp plastic materials. Contact us today to learn more. This should work. ---
**Author:** ![captainccs](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/captainccs/32/3775_2.png) [@captainccs](https://discussion.fool.com/u/captainccs)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 6:34pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/10 "2023-09-23T18:34:33Z")
Hemp works great in plumbing and bag pipes, it swells when wet making the joints water and air tight. The Captain played the bags pipes in high school. [![](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/original/3X/d/9/d953874ecf2ffbb8c2bbc65bfc27e061ebfcf59c.jpeg "Cadet Inspection 2022") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RWvmNYFpIo&t=855s) ---
**Author:** ![JimA759s](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/jima759s/32/2844_2.png) [@JimA759s](https://discussion.fool.com/u/JimA759s)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2023, 11:15pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/11 "2023-09-23T23:15:38Z")
> [@captainccs](#): > > played the bags pipes in high school. You must have been popular! JimA ---
**Author:** ![DrBob2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/drbob2/32/3456_2.png) [@DrBob2](https://discussion.fool.com/u/DrBob2)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 5:13pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/12 "2024-12-28T17:13:27Z")
And in the UK… > **[New packaging tax 'shatters' UK glass industry with cost of festive...](https://www.gbnews.com/news/packaging-tax-uk-glass-industry-price-increases-2025)** > > Experts are warning that festive favourites like mulled wine, pickled onions, cranberry sauce, wine and bottled beer could rocket in price next year In April, Labour is introducing a Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme on manufactures, which will add extra cost to heavier packaging such as glass. The association has said the new tax on food and drink packaging will be around 50 times higher for glass beverages (based on a 330ml bottle) than other materials - leaving brands with no choice but to increase prices for products packaged in glass or move to other less recyclable materials such as plastic… “So this could push consumers away from glass into less recyclable materials, all based on weight. We believe that EPR should be really driving recyclability.”… The UK glass sector has a high recycling rate at 74%, which is one of the best rates for any packaging material. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be re-melted without losing quality. DB2 ---
**Author:** ![pauleckler](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/pauleckler/32/2906_2.png) [@pauleckler](https://discussion.fool.com/u/pauleckler)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 5:27pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/13 "2024-12-28T17:27:04Z")
The tax will be used to fund recycling. User pays for recycling, not the govt. The tax covers all packaging including plastic, steel, and aluminum but hits glass very hard due to weight. Glass recycling may be good but its mostly melted sand. Not much value. And colors can be a problem. ---
**Author:** ![steve203](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/steve203/32/3302_2.png) [@steve203](https://discussion.fool.com/u/steve203)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 5:27pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/14 "2024-12-28T17:27:20Z")
> [@DrBob2](#): > > The UK glass sector has a high recycling rate at 74%, which is one of the best rates for any packaging material. Glass is 100% recyclable and can be re-melted without losing quality. So 26% of glass containers in the UK are discarded, properly, or improperly, where they will exist, in practical terms, forever. Steve ---
**Author:** ![pauleckler](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/pauleckler/32/2906_2.png) [@pauleckler](https://discussion.fool.com/u/pauleckler)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 6:04pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/15 "2024-12-28T18:04:09Z")
To me landfilling sand is not a big problem. That is where it belongs. And does not create greenhouse gases (except for equipment to pick up and bury). Does not pollute ground water. Seems practical to me. But raising funds for better recycling is a good idea. I suspect recycled steel and aluminum are more valuable. ---
**Author:** ![steve203](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/steve203/32/3302_2.png) [@steve203](https://discussion.fool.com/u/steve203)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 6:34pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/16 "2024-12-28T18:34:44Z")
> [@pauleckler](#): > > To me landfilling sand is not a big problem. _if_ it all went in a landfill, instead of a beach, or a playground. Steve ---
**Author:** ![DrBob2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/drbob2/32/3456_2.png) [@DrBob2](https://discussion.fool.com/u/DrBob2)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 6:52pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/17 "2024-12-28T18:52:55Z")
> [@steve203](#): > > _if_ it all went in a landfill, instead of a beach, or a playground. Nothing is perfect, and glass has one of the highest recycling rates. DB2 ---
**Author:** ![steve203](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/steve203/32/3302_2.png) [@steve203](https://discussion.fool.com/u/steve203)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 7:22pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/18 "2024-12-28T19:22:10Z")
> [@DrBob2](#): > > Nothing is perfect, and glass has one of the highest recycling rates. OK, you can volunteer to “break trail” for me on beaches, so you are the one to step on a piece of broken glass. 🙂 Steve…never gashed a foot on a paper cup. ---
**Author:** ![Tamhas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/tamhas/32/4672_2.png) [@Tamhas](https://discussion.fool.com/u/Tamhas)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 8:36pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/19 "2024-12-28T20:36:11Z")
Where is this notion of recycling glass into sand? One recycles glass into glass. ---
**Author:** ![pauleckler](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/motleyfoolfree/user_avatar/discussion.fool.com/pauleckler/32/2906_2.png) [@pauleckler](https://discussion.fool.com/u/pauleckler)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2024, 10:47pm UTC](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677/20 "2024-12-28T22:47:48Z")
Glass is melted sand. Burying it as if it were sand is ok with me. It has not much value compared to sand. Returning it to the earth should be fine. [Next page](https://discussion.fool.com/t/plastics-massachusetts-bans-govt-purchase-of-products-in-single-use-plastic-containers/96677.md?page=2)