On March 1, 2020, this law went into effect, but enforcement has been on hold due to a lawsuit that was pending in New York State Supreme Court. New York State Supreme Court issued a decision on August 20, 2020, upholding the law and most of the Part 351 regulations. DEC will begin enforcing the law and regulations, per the Court’s decision on October 19, 2020. As of October 19, 2020, any “person required to collect tax” must not distribute any plastic carryout bags to its customers unless such bags are exempt bags as provided for in the Bag Waste Reduction Law. 

Shoppers can bring any bag. When using a reusable bag, be sure to clean and sanitize between uses should be done. The NYS Department of Health offers the following advice for keeping your reusable bags clean.

Separate meat, fish or poultry; fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods.                                                         

Always put raw meats into a disposable plastic bag before placing them in a reusable bag.

Wash reusable grocery bags often.                                                

Reusable bags are best stored in a cool, dry place when possible. 

Do not use reusable grocery bags for other purposes.  

For more information, the full-text version of the Bag Waste Reduction Law can be found here. 

Should you have an issue with the Bag Waster Reduction Law, report it to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Bureau of Waste Reduction & Recycling, 1-518-402-8706 or via email to plasticbags@dec.ny.gov  

This information was brought to you by the Department of Environmental Conservation.