An Act to ban single use plastic applicators

This bill prohibits retail stores in Massachusetts from selling tampons packaged with single-use plastic applicators starting on December 1, 2025. It defines plastic disposable applicators as those made of plastic that are discarded after one use, while explicitly excluding options made of biodegradable, plant-based, or cardboard materials. The law includes a provision allowing businesses to request a one-year deferment if they can prove that switching to non-plastic alternatives would cause significant economic hardship. Additionally, the state Department of Public Health is tasked with creating regulations to enforce the ban and ensuring that non-plastic alternatives remain accessible to consumers.