Suffolk County NY Bag Legislation

The legislation puts a five-cent fee on paper and plastic “carryout” bags in most stores. Chapter volunteers testified at two different hearings on the bill. Staff and volunteers also worked to make sure the “2.25 mils” loophole was not part of this law. This loophole has allowed thicker bags, that are meant to be reuseable, away for free. Studies have found that when given away for free, even these thicker bags are often used once and thrown away. 

Citizen's Campaign for the Environment and and many other groups testified in favor of the fee.