Plastic carryout bags will be banned from retail businesses in Montgomery County starting next year.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, retailers will be prohibited from giving out plastic carryout bags, with some exceptions.
The county council unanimously approved the ban Tuesday. Banning single-use plastic carryout bags will “assist in the cleanup of our waterways, parks, and public spaces, and advance our public health,” Council President Kate Stewart, who is lead sponsor, said during a media briefing Monday.
Also, the tax on paper bags will increase from five cents to 10 cents. Councilmember Evan Glass said five cents will go to retailers, and the other five cents will go to the Water Quality Protection Charge fund.
Those who use food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC are exempt from the paper bag tax.
Plastic bags will still be allowed for certain things like prescription drugs, newspapers, dry-cleaned clothes, perishable items including meat or fish, and bulk items like ice, according to council documents.
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