Joining the ranks of a growing number of cities and communities
across the United States and around the globe, New York City will
soon move to limit the use of plastic bags in the retail and
grocery sectors. On May 5, 2016, a plastic bag fee bill (Intro. No.
209-A, 2014) was passed by City Council, and it is expected to be
signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio soon.
Some jurisdictions have enacted bans, and others have instituted
charges or taxes that are remitted to the government. New York
City's bill calls for a fee (five cents per bag) to be retained
by retailers, to offset the cost of the bags. It is estimated that
more than nine billion plastic bags are provided to customers in
New York City each year, and it is anticipated that institution of
the fee may reduce that number by 60 percent. Certain exemptions
from the fee are built into the law: restaurant takeout/delivery,
retail produce and prescription medication sales are all exempt, as
are emergency food providers.
