Plastic Bag Ban: Donations To Westchester Nonprofits

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Stop & Shop supermarkets in Westchester County plan to use the state's new plastic bag ban as an opportunity to help out two local environmental organizations. The ban goes into effect March 1.

In cities or counties that have chosen to implement a 5-cent paper bag reduction fee, Stop & Shop will pass that money to the government as state law requires.

Elsewhere, Stop & Shop will charge 5 cents per bag in an effort to encourage its customers to use reusable bags. The grocery chain will donate up to $1,000 per store of the funds collected from this charge to regional environmental conservation groups including Riverkeeper and the Westchester Land Trust.

"We support Stop & Shop’s efforts to support local environmental organizations during this transitional period of phasing out single-use bags," said Lori Ensinger, President of Westchester Land Trust. "We hope customers remember their reusable bags and reduce waste in our communities. Westchester Land Trust will use the funds raised through the paper bag charge to add to the nearly 9,000 acres of natural land that WLT has already conserved in our region and will remain preserved forever."

Remember, the law applies to more than just grocery stores. There are only a few exceptions, such as a bag used by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs, and produce bags for bulk items such as fruits and vegetables.

FYI, Beginning Feb. 22, Stop & Shop will have information tables set up at stores to answer questions about the upcoming ban and to provide giveaway items — including a free reusable bag for every customer who brings in one or more carryout plastic bags for recycling, with a limit of one per customer per visit while supplies last.

The plastic bags collected will be recycled into composite "wood" which is used for things like decking, park benches, and playground equipment, company officials said.

"Sustainability is a priority at Stop & Shop, and we’re committed to encouraging the use of reusables and to helping our customers make the transition,” said Gordon Reid, Stop & Shop’s President. “By charging 5 cents for paper, we’re encouraging our customers to make the switch to reusable bags – while also supporting local non-profits that are doing important work to protect and preserve the environment in New York State."

Read the state Department of Environmental Conservation's webpage for consumers for more information about New York's plastic bag ban.