Rochester, N.Y. - Wegmans is beginning its process to eliminate plastic bag use in New York State.
Wegmans will begin a pilot program in the Ithaca and Corning locations.
Paper grocery bags will continue to be available for 5 cents a piece, though Wegmans officials say they will entourage shoppers to switch to reusable bags. "A consequence of a plastic bag ban will be an increase in the use of paper bags, which for a host of reasons, are bad for the environment," a statement from Wegmans reads. "The best option to solve the environmental challenge of single-use grocery bags."
The grocery store chain will eliminate plastic bags at all its New York State stores ahead of the state ban that takes effect on March 1, 2020.