Ontario County is going to do its part to help some residents with the transition from single-use to reusable shopping bags.
They will give away thousands of reusable bags at local food pantries around Ontario County.
“Residents who visit the pantries starting in February will receive a free Ontario County Recycles bag,” Carla Jordan told the Finger Lakes Times. She serves as the County’s Director of Sustainability and Waste Management. “Many residents have anticipated the change and already adapted their shopping habits. For those who haven’t, we’re trying to make the transition as pain free as possible, and the distribution of reusable bags is one way the county can help.”
“Residents don’t often see the long-term effect plastic bag waste has on our environment,” County Administrator Mary Krause told the FLT. “While the bag ban may seem like a nuisance to some, it will have a tremendous impact on waste reduction efforts locally and across the state.”
The County has put more information about the ban, including what exceptions exist – at ontariocountyrecycles.org. They can also call (585) 393-3090.
Wegmans has already ended single-use plastic in-store. Paper bags are available for a five cent charge, which is donated to local food banks.
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