Here’s how consumers are responding to Wegmans’ plastic bag ban

Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans Food Markets shoppers are adjusting to the company’s latest bag ban, a piloted policy initiated by the company in an effort to reduce its environmental impact back in July.

Media outlet 13 Wham news, based in Rochester, N.Y., has asked Wegmans customers about their adjustment to the company’s new policy. 

For Grace Hitchcock, making the switch made sense.

"It'll hold and not tear apart," she said of her reusable bag, reported by 13 Wham news. "It's mind-boggling to think there's so much of that plastic. I think it's a good thing."

The store's manager, Tyler Hill, said the reception has been positive. According to Hill, the store has sold thousands of reusable bags since the location stopped offering plastic bags.

"Our community has really embraced and wrapped their arms around this program," said Hill.

The company announced that it will be removing the use of plastic bags in two of its New York state locations as of July 29. The stores selected are located in Ithaca and Corning. 

The announcement comes shortly after the company’s previous statement in April that Wegmans will eliminate plastic bags at all of its New York state stores ahead of the state ban that takes effect on March 1.

Wegmans says that paper grocery bags will continue to be available, but 5 cents will be charged for each bag. The supermarket chain says the goal is to convert all customers to reusable bags. In the meantime, the amount collected from the paper bags at the Ithaca and Corning stores will be donated to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.