Plastic Bag Ban Takes Effect In Prince George's For 2024

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 went into effect Jan. 1.

Called the Better Bag Bill, retailers now must charge a 10-cent fee for each paper bag and reusable bag sold to consumers under CB-032-2023. According to county officials, the ban was 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.

Businesses that aren’t ready to transition just yet will have three months to get acclimated before any fines are doled out.

“During the first 90 days of implementation, the county will provide a three-month grace period to businesses before imposing any citations with monetary penalties,” the county said.