This week, New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the release of final regulations to implement the New York State Plastic Bag Waste Reduction Act, which goes into effect on March 1.
On the heels of review of the approximately 2,500 comments received from stakeholders and communities during the 60-day public comment period and hearing, these final regulations will be published in the State Register on February 26. DEC will continue to focus its outreach and education efforts to ensure a smooth transition for consumers and affected retailers, with enforcement to follow in the months ahead.
“New York continues to be a national leader on environmental issues, and the plastic bag ban is the latest in a series of actions Governor Cuomo has directed to preserve our air, land, and waters for future generations,” says Seggos. “DEC is proud to be at the forefront of these efforts and will continue to work to develop solutions to combat climate change and protect the environment, and we continue to encourage New Yorkers to BYOBagNY and bring their own reusable bags wherever and whenever they shop.”
Find more information about the plastic bag ban here and through DEC’s press release.
