Sustainability is on the rise in Montgomery County as the “Bring Your Own Bag” law is in full compliance.
Passed unanimously by the County Council in February of 2025, the law has been in effect since January 1st of this year in every neighborhood except for Gaithersburg.
The law was introduced and led by Councilmember Kate Stewart to decrease the environmental waste caused by plastic.
“Montgomery County continues to lead in safeguarding the health of our residents and protecting our environment by reducing the use of plastic bags,” Stewart said. “The Bring your Own Bag” Bill goes into effect in January to help put a stop to plastic bags clogging our waterways, parks and public spaces.”
Plastic bags aren’t offered in checkout lines, only paper. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags.
Each paper bag costs an additional 10 cents to the overall bill. 5 cents goes toward the retailer, and the other half is donated to the Water Quality Protection Charge.
“The Water Quality Protect Charge funds many of the county’s Clean Water Montgomery initiatives that help protect our local waterways and wildlife,” said Department of Environmental Protection Director Jennifer Macedonia.
According to a survey conducted by the Sierra Club, the law passing has led to a significant shift in how shoppers bag their items.
Now, 72% of shoppers either bring reusable bags or carry their items without one. This is an uptick from the previous 49%. 27% of shoppers opt to pay the 10-cent fee now, whereas before only 1% of shoppers were.
For more information regarding the law, visit the official site of Montgomery County.
