New York Statewide Rule

New York Plastic Bag Ban Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across New York (2026)

Key Facts

Ban Effective: Statewide March 2020
Statute: ECL §27-2801
Paper Fee: 5 cent permitted opt-in localities
Fee Localities: NYC, Suffolk, Tompkins, Albany
Exemptions: Produce, bulk, meat, prescription, takeout
Compostable Ban: Also banned for carryout
Enforcement: DEC and local health departments

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: NY DEC — Bag Waste Reduction Law

Summary

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.

§ 27-2803. Plastic carryout bag ban. 1. No person required to collect tax shall distribute any plastic carryout bags to its customers unless such bags are exempt bags as defined in subdivision one of section 27-2801 of this title.

Source: NY DEC — Bag Waste Reduction LawView official code

Full Breakdown

New York Environmental Conservation Law §27-2801 et seq., the Bag Waste Reduction Law, bans distribution of plastic carryout bags by sales-tax vendors statewide. Signed in April 2019, it 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 60% supporting the Environmental Protection Fund and 40% retained locally to distribute reusable bags to low-income households. New York City, Suffolk, Tompkins, and Albany counties, plus cities including Troy, White Plains, and New Rochelle, have adopted the fee. Exemptions cover produce, bulk-item, raw meat and fish, prescription, newspaper, restaurant takeout, and garment bags. Compostable bags do not qualify as substitutes.

Violations & Penalties

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plastic bags banned in New York?

Yes. Single-use plastic carryout bags are banned statewide under the Bag Waste Reduction Law (ECL §27-2801), effective March 1, 2020. Retailers can offer paper bags, often with a 5-cent fee.

Do I have to pay 5 cents for a paper bag?

Only in opt-in localities including New York City, Suffolk, Tompkins, and Albany counties. Three cents of each fee funds the Environmental Protection Fund; two cents fund reusable bags for low-income residents.

What bags are exempt from the ban?

Produce bags, bulk-item bags, raw meat/fish wrappers, prescription bags, newspaper bags, restaurant takeout bags, and garment bags. Reusable bags and paper carryout bags are also permitted.

Sources

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