New York's plastic bag ban is officially in effect.

Stores across the state will no longer be offering single-use plastic shopping bags starting today.

Shoppers can either bring their own reusable bags or ask for paper bags.

In Suffolk County, residents will be charged 5 cents for each paper bag. While there is no fee in Nassau County, the city of Long Beach is requiring stores to charge 5 cents per paper bag as part of its own ordinance.

Supporters of the measure say it will cut down on plastic waste and pollution.

However, a legal challenge to the ban led by a coalition of more than 6,000 convenience store owners is still making its way through the courts.

Enforcement of the ban won't begin until April 1.