The New York Bag Waste Reduction Law (Environmental Conservation Law §27-2801, enacted 2019, enforced March 2020) bans most single-use plastic carryout bags statewide. Counties and cities may impose a 5-cent paper bag fee. Reusable bags and certain product bags are exempt.
New York Environmental Conservation Law §27-2801 et seq. — the Bag Waste Reduction Law — bans the distribution of plastic carryout bags by any person required to collect state sales tax. The law was signed in April 2019 and took effect March 1, 2020 after court-imposed delays. Counties and cities may opt in to a 5-cent paper carryout bag fee under ECL §27-2805, with 40% supporting the Environmental Protection Fund and 60% supporting reusable bag distribution to low-income households. New York City, Suffolk County, Westchester, Tompkins, Albany, and Ulster have adopted the fee. Exemptions cover bags used to package bulk items, produce, raw meat/fish, prescriptions, newspapers, restaurant takeout food, and garment bags. Compostable bags do not qualify as substitutes.
Civil penalty up to $250 per violation for first offense, up to $500 for subsequent violations within 12 months under ECL §27-2807. DEC and authorized municipalities issue citations. Each day of non-compliance is a separate violation.
Gates, NY
The Town of Gates regulates noise through its Code (eCode360 ID GA0050) and refers many quiet-hours questions to New York State Penal Law Section 240.20 (dis...
Monroe County, NY
City of Rochester prohibits on-street parking 2 AM to 6 AM year-round under Municipal Code §111-5 (alternate side not in effect; blanket overnight ban). Resi...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County towns specify approved fence materials in zoning codes. Wood, vinyl, chain-link, and wrought iron standard. Barbed wire banned in residential z...
Monroe County, NY
NY State Uniform Code (Residential Code §R404) requires engineered design for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing. Monroe County muni...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County does not have a separate countywide smoke-alarm ordinance; smoke-alarm requirements come from the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Bu...
Monroe County, NY
Monroe County is not designated a high wildfire hazard area. No defensible space requirements. NY DEC Part 215 brush burn ban (March 16 – May 14) is the prim...
See how Gates's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.