The DEC will bring back enforcement of its ban on single use plastic carryout bags, starting Oct. 19. The plastic bag ban went into effect on March 1 and was not enforced due to an agreement between the parties in a lawsuit brought by Poly-Pak Industries Inc., et al, in New York State Supreme Court.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos had the following to say regarding enforcement the ban:

“The Court’s decision is a victory and a vindication of New York State’s efforts to end the scourge of single-use plastic bags and a direct rebuke to the plastic bag manufacturers who tried to stop the law and DEC’s regulations to implement it. As we have for many months, DEC is encouraging New Yorkers to make the switch to reusable bags whenever and wherever they shop and to use common-sense precautions to keep reusable bags clean. The Court has ruled, and DEC will begin to enforce the ban on October 19th. It’s time to BYOBagNY.”

» Continue Reading.