On Jan. 1, big changes came to stores across Oregon -- and a lot of people weren’t prepared.

House Bill 2509 went into effect on Wednesday, banning most plastic bags statewide. The law also requires that retailers charge 5 cents for paper bags.

The new law caught a lot of people off-guard, despite the dwindling number of plastic bags at grocery stores in the days leading up to the change. And no, under the new law, stores aren’t allowed to absorb the customer charge for recycled paper bags.

Me carrying my groceries to the car because I forgot about Oregon’s plastic bag law pic.twitter.com/hCnm70BC2P — B-Wyld (@BrennenDub) January 2, 2020

Went to the grocery store and didn’t realize Oregon banned plastic bags lmao pic.twitter.com/eZVItFTu0s — Brent W (@bwalk1510) January 1, 2020

Next time you head to the grocery store, don't forget your reusable bag! With the new year comes new laws into Oregon. Learn more about the changes in this recent story https://t.co/AYOlqRJpe4 pic.twitter.com/5jVAwxDUGS — City of Roseburg (@RoseburgOR) January 2, 2020

In Oregon: I wonder if any grocery stores will offer to "absorb" the $0.05 fee for paper grocery bags? Since stores get to keep the fee, it seems as there is no cost difference and this would be a great marketing tool. I would certainly shop at stores that offered the benefit. — Bryant (@bryant1962pnw) January 2, 2020

Tote bag sellers sensed a market opportunity, while environmentalists lauded the move.

Rumor has it you might be needing some sturdy tote bags for your future trips to the grocery store! Be the envy of your neighbors with some wonderfully adorned Oregon-based totes from Oregon Born. This one is brand-new and ready for you along with a whol… https://t.co/vBz99nNjei pic.twitter.com/BkjFlblJYI — Oregon Born (@IAmOregonBorn) December 30, 2019

What do you think? Is a little initial chaos worth the benefit of reducing plastic waste? Or do you wish the state had done something else instead?