Good Question: Is Walmart ditching paper bags?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Let’s answer a good question about the rules for grocery shopping.

Plastic bags have been banned in New York State for two years. Paper bags are still an option but maybe you’ve heard this talk, like I did. A worker at the BayTowne Walmart recently told me the company is ditching paper bags in New York next month.

Is that really true? The quick answer, no.

Here’s the confusion. I first started looking online for any reports on Walmart going completely bagless starting October 1st in New York.

You’ll find a few articles mentioning the change. They all point to Facebook posts from stores in Batavia and Syracuse. The posts no longer exist.

I reached out to a Walmart spokesperson. I’m told it’s not happening, at least not yet. A statement reads in part:

“Walmart has been exploring alternatives to single-use carryout bags from our stores since 2021 while prioritizing our customers’ convenience and product safety.”

The spokesperson also told me:

“At this time we have no firm deadline to remove single-use bags in New York locations where it is lawful to offer them.”

Again, it’s not to say it won’t happen. Walmarts are already bagless in a few states like Vermont, Maine, and New Jersey. So you have to go with reusable bags there.

Out of curiosity, I asked Tops and Wegmans if they are considering dropping paper bags. Both grocery stores tell me not at this point.