BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Wegmans has no immediate plans to curb its use of single-use plastic bags at their grocery stores in Western New York.
The company this week announced a pilot program to eliminate the use of plastic bags at their stores in Corning and Ithaca, which begins on Monday. No stores in Buffalo will be affected by the pilot.
Wegmans will implement a five-cent charge for each paper bag used at their stores in Ithaca and Corning, with the money to go to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. Natale said the company has not made any decisions on whether there will be a five-cent fee on paper bags in the Buffalo stores.
Tops Friendly Markets has not indicated whether they will begin curbing the use of plastic bags before the statewide ban next March. In a statement, they said they will abide by any legislation set forth by the state.
"We currently have a variety of reusable and recyclable bag options to fit our customers' needs and are exploring additional options in light of the recent legislation changes. We will be in full compliance by March 2020 when the law goes into effect."
Niagara County legislators declined to force a five-cent fee on paper bags. Members of the minority in the Erie County Legislature tried to force a vote but failed. Chairwoman April Baskin said the opt-in is currently not up for a vote.