The State Environmental Conservation Department has rules about plastic bags. Stores that give out plastic bags must take them back for recycling or reuse.

Exemptions

This rule does not apply to:

• Stores smaller than 5,000 square feet
• Non-chain stores smaller than 10,000 square feet

Reusable Bags

Stores must also sell reusable bags.

These bags must:

• Have handles
• Be made of cloth, machine washable fabric or durable plastic

Other Acceptable Bags

Businesses can also choose to accept other types of bags, such as:

• Newspaper bags
• Dry cleaning bags
• Shrink wrap
• Clean food bags

Recordkeeping

Businesses must keep records of plastic bag recycling. They need to track the number of bags received and recycled. It is their job to make sure the bags are actually recycled.