Southampton Town’s Ban Of Single-Use Plastic Bags To Begin On Earth Day

“Remarkably, we are among the first municipalities in New York State to implement a plastic-bag ban, but we are proud to help lead the way in eliminating one of the most common and lasting form of litter,” noted Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst, who lobbied surrounding municipalities to join with the Town in eradicating plastic bags from the East End.

Starting on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22nd, the Town of Southampton’s local law banning the distribution of single-use plastic bags will take effect. The new legislation is a huge step towards the elimination of single-use plastic bags across the entire South Fork and the Hamptons, which will have a significant environmental impact on the local community. Instead of using plastic bags, shoppers will be encouraged to bring their own reusable bags, or use the offered recyclable or reusable paper bags.

Similar bans in the Villages of Quogue and Sagaponack will also take effect on Earth Day. The Village of Sag Harbor is joining in on the habit-changing legislation, with a ban of plastic bags starting on Monday, June 1st. The Town of East Hampton, which includes Montauk, Amagansett, and Wainscott, will follow suit on Tuesday, September 1st.

“More than two million plastic bags are used each year in Southampton Town alone,” said Councilman Brad Bender. “But I’ve never seen a paper bag stuck in a tree.”

For more information, visit www.southamptontownny.gov.