Needham Select Board closes public hearing on proposed black-plastic ban and ‘Skip the Stuff’ warrant articles

The Town of Needham Select Board closed a March 11 public hearing on two citizen‑petitioned warrant articles proposing (1) a ban on black single‑use food containers and (2) a “Skip the Stuff” policy to require customers to request condiments and utensils for takeout. The board voted to close the hearing and include the petition articles in the draft warrant; the board said it will take a formal position when the warrant is closed and the item returns for a vote.

Supporters said health and waste concerns motivated the proposals. Petitioner Kathy Reyes, who gave her address as 84 Wildwood Drive, told the board “the reason that we are looking to ban black plastic is twofold. 1, it contains, flame retardants that ... have been found to reduce children’s IQs, boost cancer rates, and contribute to thyroid disease.” Reyes also told the board black food containers are difficult to recover at recycling facilities and often go to landfill or incineration, a downstream cost she said affects Needham.

The Charles River Chamber delivered mixed feedback. Maxwell (Max) Wolf…