New York Re-Starts Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—In New York, the statewide ban on single-use plastic bags is once again being enforced, CBS News reports. In March, a court challenge had halted the new ban, but as of Monday, it’s once more in effect.

The ban applies to groceries and other store products which can be put into non-plastic bags, but prepared foods, uncooked meat/fish, produce, dry cleaning and prescription drugs can still go in single-use plastic bags. Many retailers, including Whole Foods, switched to paper bags a while ago.

New York approved the ban in 2019, and it briefly went into effect earlier this year before a judge halted enforcement after legal challenges were filed. Now, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation is asking consumers for assistance in enforcing the ban. A form and phone number listed on the department’s website provide a way for consumers to report ban violations.

The ban is meant to create less litter, which can harm the environment and marine life. Some localities are letting retailers charge five cents per paper bag to help offset the cost of providing paper over plastic. Retailers are also encouraging shoppers to use reusable bags.

Earlier this year in a CNN interview, Jim Calvin, president of the New York Association of Convenience Stores, said the ban created a lot of anxiety and confusion. “The biggest problem right now is the shortage and rising cost of the paper bags that were supposed to be the inexpensive alternative to plastic for consumers who neglect to bring their own reusable bag,” he said.

As more and more consumers demand it, retailers across the country are looking to provide more sustainable options, especially in an affordable manner. Don’t miss the education session Profiting from Sustainability, which can be found at the upcoming NACS Crack the Code Experience, to learn more about how your company can more easily provide your customers with sustainable options.

Sustainability New York