In 10 days, NYS implements a statewide ban on plastic shopping bags

[brooklynite]

NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation

Starting March 1, 2020, a new bag waste reduction law will take effect in New York State - where over 23 billion plastic bags are typically used each year. Plastic bag usage affects both our communities and environment. Plastic bags can be seen stuck in trees, as litter in our neighborhoods, and floating in our waterways. From the significant recycling and disposal issues they pose to the harm they can do to wildlife, the negative impacts of plastic bags are easily seen.

As a consumer, you can help and #BYOBagNY - Bring Your Own Bag. Keep reusable bags in your car, or clip folding reusable bags onto your commuting bag or purse so you always have them handy. If you store them near the door or coat closet, you'll be more likely to remember them on the way out. Remember that every time you use a reusable bag, you are doing your part to prevent litter and waste. Using reusable bags makes sense and is the right thing to do. You can also remind your family, friends, and neighbors to bring their reusable bags whenever they shop.

The Bag Waste Reduction Law applies to more than just grocery stores. Whether you're going to the grocery store, clothes shopping, or to a home improvement store, make sure to bring your reusable bags.

Types of Bags You Can Use
While shoppers can bring any type of bag -- including film plastic -- note that there are many alternatives to choose from which are more environmentally friendly. Ideally, a bag should be washable and designed for multiple uses, such as one made from cloth. If you forget to bring a bag with you, many retailers will have reusable bags for sale. An alternative, such as paper, may also be available. Please note that stores are not required to have bags available for customers. Some stores may choose not to switch to paper and may only have reusable bags for purchase. That is why it is important for consumers to #BYOBagNY - Bring Your Own Bag. If you have a small purchase, such as a magazine, candy or drink, you can help our environment by saying "No thank you" to a single use paper bag and carrying the item instead.

The Bag Waste Reduction Law and Who it Affects
Starting March 1, 2020, all plastic carryout bags (other than an exempt bag) are banned from distribution by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax. For sales that are tax exempt, plastic carry out bags are still not allowed to be distributed by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax (unless it is an exempt bag). The law will affect anyone required to collect New York State sales tax, bag manufacturers and consumers. Cities and counties will also be involved. Under the law:

cities and counties are authorized to adopt a five-cent paper carry-out bag reduction fee. This means that in these areas, a consumer will be charged 5 cents for each paper carryout bag provided at checkout. In areas that have adopted the five-cent paper carryout bag reduction fee, the fee does not apply to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children -- a nutrition program) recipients, and they are exempt from paying a paper carryout bag reduction fee for paper carryout bags. One way to avoid paper bag fees no matter where you are across New York State is to always bring your own bag.
stores covered under the NYS Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Act will still be required to collect plastic bags and other film plastics from consumers for recycling. (Film plastics include items such as bread bags and plastic wraps that come over cases of water, paper towels and other similar items). As a consumer you can help by continuing to recycle these items at participating retailers.

Exempt Bags
Some bags are exempt under the law, so plastic bags may still be distributed to consumers in a few specific circumstances, such as a bag used by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs, and produce bags for bulk items such as fruits and vegetables. But as a consumer, you can aid in protecting our environment by using reusable bags as much as possible.

[Squinch]

1. I do earth day cleanup of a river north of the city. Last year

I put on some waders and pulled hundreds of plastic bags filled with dog shit out of the river.

I can't wait for this.

[samnsara]

2. our county banned them a cpl yrs back..

Last edited Thu Feb 20, 2020, 11:42 AM - Edit history (1)

..when i shop in another county I save the plastic and paper bags because i use them all over my house! I dont mind the ban but now i have to carry around a car full of reusable bags and thats a mess.

[Dream Girl]

3. Wow that's gonna be a big ole mess.

We have the same thing in many Bay Area cities and towns, but New York is so different. I’m thinking about people on foot and public transportation purchasing to go food, Dwayne Reed, etc.. My bet would be a good half won’t even be aware of the law until they’re asked to pay for a bag and many who do know won’t remember to bring bags with them. I forget to bring bags with me even though they’re in my car.

[Raftergirl]

4. I'm in NY

and I’ve been using my reusable bags for years now. I also keep a large bag in my purse which folds up into a 5” by 2” roll and it’s a huge bag. I just bought 10 new bags (6 large and 4 small) when I did my grocery shopping on Sunday. I washed all my old bags and will use then for recycling cardboard and paper, beer bottles and cans that are redeemed etc.

[C_U_L8R]

5. It took me a little while to change my habits

And I grumbled at first. But now I bring my own canvas shopping bag and know I'm helping the world. Your own shopping bag is easier to tote around too. Changing your habits and routines is a pain at first and it's sometimes easy to forget to BYO. But then old bad habits are soon replaced by new better habits. Proud of you NYers.

[Ron Green]

6. Decades too late, but hey, every bit helps...