New York’s plastic bag ban goes into effect on March 1, 2020

Here are some FAQs on the law:

What kind of bags will be banned?

All single-use plastic bags provided by stores to carry out goods. The ban does not apply to reusable bags with handles that are made of cloth or another durable material.

What kind of stores does the ban apply to?

Any store that is required to collect sales tax, including groceries, retailers and small businesses.

When does the ban take effect?

March 1, 2020.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. There are 11 instances where it's OK for a store to hand out a plastic bag, including when a bag holds uncooked meat, fish or poultry; bulk items like fruit, vegetables or candy; sliced or prepared foods; a newspaper for delivery to a subscriber; and prescription drugs.

There are also exemptions for bags when they are sold in bulk, trash bags, food-storage bags, garment bags, prepackaged bags offered for sale and bags for carryout orders at restaurants and taverns.

Also, consumers can bring their own bags, of any kind.

What about paper bags?

Paper bags aren't banned, but counties and cities have the option to require stores to charge a 5¢ fee for each paper bag. The fee must be collected by the store, indicated on the sales slip and the store must pay the fees and file quarterly returns to NY State Tax on the last day of February, May, August and November. Local governments that do charge the fee will get to keep 2 cents for each bag. The remaining 3 cents goes to the state's Environmental Protection Fund.

Does everyone have to pay the paper-bag fee?

Almost everyone - so long as you're shopping in a county or city that opted in. The only people exempt from paying the paper-bag fee are people who receive SNAP or WIC benefits.

What are the penalties?

First violation is a warning, violation w/i year of warning, $250 fine, second violation w/i year of warning is a $500 fine.