In New York, a ban on the use of plastic bags enters into force
'19.10.2020'
Vita Popova
New York's plastic bag ban went into effect Monday, October 19. About whom he will touch and what fines await violators, the publication told abc7NY.
About the ban
The ban on the use of single-use plastic bags in grocery stores and supermarkets in New York City went into effect on Monday, October 19, after a seven-month hiatus. The order was passed back on March 1, but has not been enforced, in part due to the coronavirus pandemic and a lawsuit from plastic bag manufacturers.
However, back in August, the New York State Supreme Court dismissed the manufacturers' claim. “The ruling is a victory and confirmation of New York State's efforts to end the evils of disposable plastic bags and a rebuke to plastic bag manufacturers who have tried to stop the Department of Environmental Conservation, DEC), ”said Department Commissioner Basil Seggos.
DEC urged New Yorkers to switch to reusable bags wherever they shop.
On the subject: What you should never do in New York
The department also noted that New Yorkers use about 23 billion plastic bags a year. Each bag is used for an average of only 12 minutes, and about 85% of the plastic ends up in landfills, recycling machines, plumbing, and the streets.
Who will be affected by the ban
As noted, this law does not apply to all disposable packages. In particular, it will bypass the packages used:
- for packing unprocessed products of animal origin or other unpacked food products;
- for flowers, plants or objects that require the use of plastic to avoid contamination, prevent damage, or for health reasons;
- wholesale packaging of fruits, vegetables, grains, sweets;
- household goods such as nuts, bolts, and screws;
- live insects such as crickets, crustaceans, mollusks;
- other items requiring waterproof containers;
- sliced products or custom-made products;
- plastic bags sold in bulk, this category includes: garbage bags, sandwich packaging or pet cleaning bags, clothing bags, and pharmacy medicine bags.
How the law will affect retailers
Retailers who violate the new state law will be punished. So, after the first warning, they will receive a fine of $ 250, repeated violations during the same calendar year will result in a fine of $ 500.
As a reminder, New Yorkers are allowed to use disposable paper bags. True, different counties may charge a 5-cent commission for this.
Many buyers were dissatisfied and even shocked by the innovation. Read about what New Yorkers themselves think about the ban on the use of plastic bags. in this publication.
