Starting March 1, New York State will be placing a ban on plastic film bags. Residents of New York are encouraged to invest in sturdy reusable bags and properly recycle any plastic film bags. (Photo by Catherine Sasso)

NEW YORK – On March 1, the New York State ban on plastic carryout bags will go into effect.

According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, all plastic carryout bags, other than exempt bags, are banned from distribution by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax.

For sales that are tax exempt, plastic carryout bags are still not allowed to be distributed by anyone required to collect New York State sales tax.

Stores such as Walmart, Dollar General, and Tops will be converting to paper bags with a five-cent free per bag. However if you have SNAP or WIC benefits, you are exempt from paying the five-cent fee.

Some stores have been finding creative ways to help people ease into the transition.