Say so long to single-use bags: Budget bringing bag ban to NY
New York will soon become the third state in the nation to ban single-use plastic bags.
The measure was included in the $175.5 billion budget passed by lawmakers in Albany.
Retailers across New York will be banned from providing customers with plastic bags that are non-biodegradable and cannot be recycled.
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Some Stew Leonard's customers who spoke with News 12 said plastic is all they use because they prefer the durability, while others said reusable bags are the way to go.
Restaurants that use plastic bags for takeout will be exempt from the rules. The plastic used to wrap up items like cold cuts will also still be permitted.
California and Hawaii already have statewide bans on the bags.
The single-use bag ban will take effect in New York on March 1, 2020.