New York City to Charge for Bags at Checkout

Paper or plastic?

In New York it won't matter which one you pick, both are going to cost you. New York City Council approved a measure that requires stores to charge at least five cents per bag beginning October 1st.

According to a press release, it is estimated that New York City pays $12.5 million to transport 91,000 tons of bags to landfills in other states each year.  The city also estimates that residents use 9.4 billion bags each year, most of which do not get recycled.

Take-out or delivery orders from restaurants, food stamp purchases, produce and prescriptions are excluded from the requirement.

Supporters of the bill hope that the new fee will encourage more people to bring reusable bags with them to cut down on unnecessary waste.