On March 1, 2020, New York State’s law banning single-use plastic carryout bags will take effect. In New York City, businesses will also be required to collect a 5-cent fee on paper carryout bags from customers.
The ban and fee are efforts to reduce the use of wasteful single-use bags and their negative impact on the environment.
Even though the law takes effect from the 1st, super store chain Wegmans has achieved a heads-up with banning all kinds of one-use plastic bags for grocery. However they will be packing a few kinds of grocery items in plastic bags while providing charged paper bags for the rest.
If you pay using SNAP or WIC, you will not be charged any paper bag fees. Stores must provide SNAP and WIC users with free carryout bags. No other customers are exempt from this fee.
You can avoid paying the fee by bringing your own reusable bags to stores. Stores are required to sell reusable bags for customers. You can also get a free reusable bag from giveaways sponsored by the Department of Sanitation.
Environmentalists have applauded the NY law for sustaining a better and safer environment.
