It's just small change - but it could force a massive shift for the better in the amount of garbage this city produces.

Effective Monday, a plastic bag in Toronto will cost you five cents.

It's not a surprise for shoppers at No Frills and other discount stores who are long-accustomed to paying for the sacks.

And for those of us who have been trying to go green for sometime, it's another incentive to bring canvas or reusable bags to the stores.

Six months ago, City Council passed a law making it mandatory for all stores in Toronto to charge you a nickel for every plastic bag you use.

That was December 2 and since then, many stores jumped ahead of the bandwagon.

Loblaws introduced the "cash and carry" plan back in April, while other retailers like the Big Carrot pondered recyclable bags made with vegetable ink. 

However, the legislation only applies to consumers. There's no clause that says the funds raised have to go to environmental causes. Instead, it's pure profit for the retailer.

The move is part of Toronto's plan to divert 70 per cent of our waste away from landfills by 2010. 

Exemptions and frequently asked questions

How it affects retailers and you

Read the bylaw

Top 10 reasons to reuse your plastic bags