New York ban on plastic bags starts Sunday

NEW YORK CITY — A new ban on plastic bags is going into effect in New York.

Starting Sunday, businesses across the state are not allowed to use single-use plastic bags.

Most stores and businesses will impose a five cent fee on shoppers for paper bags.

Shoppers are being encouraged to bring their own reusable bags.

The law, signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo last March, aims to help protect wildlife and the environment in the state where over 23 billion plastic bags are used each year.

There are a few exemptions to the new rule: Bags used for uncooked meat, prescription drugs and dry cleaning can still be plastic.

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