Local residents may need to start remembering to grab their reusable bags when they go shopping.
The City of Alexandria is considering a plastic bag tax, which is expected to go before city council this fall. Residents can attend a virtual information session Wednesday evening, Sept. 8.
According to state law, the five-cent tax would not apply to the following:
- Durable plastic bags at least four millimeters thick that are designed for multiple reuse;
- Plastic bags used to contain or wrap meat, fish, poultry, produce, ice cream, unwrapped bulk food, or perishable food;
- Plastic bags used to carry dry cleaning or prescription drugs;
- Plastic bags sold for garbage or pet waste
Fairfax County in considering a similar measure.
The purpose of the plastic bag tax is to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bags which pose a serious threat to the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), less than 10 percent of plastic bags are recycled. Most end up in landfills or as litter along land and waterways where they endanger fish, wildlife and humans.
The plastic bag tax, if City Council approves it, would go info effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
