Can I have a bag?
'Busta' — BUS-ta. Two syllables.
Ask at the till after paying if you need a bag. In Italy, plastic bags are charged (by law) and many shops offer paper or reusable bags. This is often part of the payment transaction.
'Busta' = bag (often used for plastic or paper bags in shops). 'Sacchetto' is a smaller bag. Since 2011, Italy has banned non-biodegradable plastic bags. Shops charge for bags — typically €0.10–€0.50 each. Reusable fabric bags ('borse riutilizzabili') are sold separately.
Quanto costa la busta?
How much does the bag cost?
Bags are not free in Italy.
Ho già una borsa.
I already have a bag.
Declines the bag — you are prepared.
Avete buste in carta?
Do you have paper bags?
Asks for paper option specifically.
Italy was one of the first countries in the EU to ban lightweight plastic bags (legge 28/2012). Biodegradable bags are still available but charged. The change was culturally significant in a country where 'il sacchetto' was once taken for granted at every shop.