New 5-Cent Tax On Plastic Bags Used At Arlington County Stores Goes Into Effect In 2023

ARLINGTON, VA — A plastic bag tax was approved by Arlington County Board Saturday, making Arlington one of three jurisdictions that adopted the tax in the last week.

Localities have authority to implement a single-use plastic bag tax ordinance under 2020 state legislation. The Alexandria City Council voted Saturday to adopt a plastic bag tax, and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday for its own plastic bag tax. The 5-cent tax on single-use plastic bags will go into effect in all three localities on Jan. 1, 2022 at grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores.

“Arlington is proud to take this step to reduce plastic bag waste in our community and to do so with our regional partners,” said Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti, in a release. “We have long sought the legal authority for this small fee as a way to protect our environment and become a more sustainable community. We look forward to working with residents and neighbors on implementation.”

The plastic bag tax would not apply to plastic bags intended for reuse; plastic bags solely used to wrap, contain or package certain items such as ice cream, meat, fish, poultry, produce, unwrapped bulk food items or perishable food items; plastic bags for dry cleaning or prescription drugs; or multiple plastic bags sold in packages for garbage, pet waste or leaf removal.

Part of the tax goes to the Virginia Department of Taxation for costs of administering the tax. Retailers retain a portion of the tax; until Jan. 1, 2023, they will retain two cents for each plastic bag taxed. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, the amount retailers retain will drop to one cent. Localities receive the remaining revenue after deductions for retailers and tax administration costs.

Under the state legislation, localities may use tax revenue for environmental cleanup; educational programs to reduce environmental waste or address pollution and litter; or reusable bags to recipients of either Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) benefits.

For more information, visit the county's plastic bag tax web page.