BOSTON — Boston City council unanimously approved a plastic bag ban Wednesday.
The ordinance, which was proposed by Councilors Matt O'Malley and Michelle Wu, bans all plastic bags in the city, and taxes other bags.
Shoppers will need to bring reusable bags, or pay at least 5 cents for a paper bag or compostable plastic bag.
RELATED: What to know about Boston's proposed bag ban
The decision comes after more than a year of debate among the council.
When the ban was proposed last year, Mayor Marty Walsh's administration opposed it, citing a potential impact on small business and low income households.
There are more than 60 communities in Massachusetts that currently have fees or limits on plastic bags - including neighboring Cambridge, Somerville, and Brookline.
Walsh will now review the proposal. If he signs it, it will go into effect within a year.
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