When Does Plastic Bag Ban Start In Prince George's County? What's The Fee To Use Them?

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A new ban on single-use, carryout plastic bags distributed at check-out registers by retailers and other businesses in Prince George’s County will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

Retailers also will be required to charge at last a 10-cent fee for each paper bag and reusable bags sold to consumers under CB-032-2023. According to county officials, the ban has been created to help protect local waterways and marine life, reduce plastic pollution and litter, and promote reusable bags.

“Plastic bags do not biodegrade and contaminate our local waterways, causing harm to marine life, clogging our storm drains, and littering our streets and communities,” said Prince George's County Department of the Environment Director Andrea Crooms. “This ban encourages consumers to reduce waste and addresses one of the county’s Climate Action Plan recommendations, an important step in maintaining a sustainable county and reducing our carbon footprint.”

The ban applies to all retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores or any other establishment providing single-use plastic bags to customers at the point of sale or service. The ban doesn’t apply to bags that package bulk items like produce, grains, small hardware, etc., as well as bakery goods, fish, meat, flowers and dry cleaning. No charges apply to paper bags for prescription medicine and take-out food by restaurants or prepared food provided at a drive-through. Visit mypgc.us/bagitright for a complete list of exemptions.

To help residents make the transition to reusable bags, the county will provide a limited amount of free reusable bags and will announce distribution dates and locations once finalized.