ALBANY - Governor David Paterson announced he has signed legislation to increase the collection and recycling of plastic carryout bags. Under the new law, A.11725 (Sweeney)/S.8643-A (Marcellino), which will require collection and recycling to begin on January 1, 2009, retail establishments with more than 10,000 square feet of retail space, or those that are part of a chain with more than five stores (each with more than 5,000 square feet of retail space), must provide bins for the collection of used plastic carryout bags, recycle the returned bags, and keep records for three years describing the amount of plastic bags collected and recycled.

“Even during difficult times we must be protective stewards of our environment, and continue to find ways to keep our daily routines from negatively impacting the long-term health of the planet,” said Governor Paterson. “By making changes in our daily lives and business practices, we can conserve natural resources, save energy and reduce our ecological footprint.”

Judith Enck, Deputy Secretary for the Environment, said: “Plastic bags, made from petroleum are a persistent litter and environmental problem. Nationally, we discard nearly 100 billion plastic bags every year – with lots of them ending up on our streets, in our parks and in our lakes and streams. The bill signed by Governor Paterson will make it easier for New Yorkers to recycle used plastic bags and encourage greater use of reusable bags. Governor Paterson's commitment to environmental sustainability continues with the signing of this bill.”