Arlington County, City of Alexandria, and Fairfax County Move to Adopt Plastic Bag Tax 

September 18, 2021 | Press release

Arlington County, the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County are simultaneously taking steps to reduce the negative environmental impact of single-use plastic bags by establishing local plastic bag tax regulations in each jurisdiction.

Alexandria City Council and Arlington County Council enacted their ordinances during public hearings on Saturday, September 18, following Fairfax County’s adoption of their ordinance on Tuesday, September 14th) tax on each single-use plastic bag made from groceries -, convenience and drug stores.

“Declining plastic bags will reduce our environmental footprint and improve the quality of life in our eco-city by reducing the plastic bags that pollute our roads and local waterways,” said Justin Wilson, Alexandria City Mayor. “This action, coupled with ongoing contact and education that makes our residents active partners in these efforts, is one of the many important steps Alexandria and our neighboring countries are taking to achieve environmental sustainability.”

The effective tax date for all three jurisdictions would be January 1, 2022. The city of Alexandria, Arlington County, and Fairfax County worked closely with the Northern Virginia Regional Waste Management Committee to coordinate outreach, education, schedules, and a common language for the locations to Ensure consistency and clarity.

“Arlington is proud to be taking this step to reduce plastic bag waste in our community and we are doing it together with our regional partners,” said Matt de Ferranti, chairman of the board of directors of Arlington County. “We have long sought legal authority for this small fee to protect our environment and become a more sustainable community. We look forward to working with local residents and neighbors to implement it. “

In 2020, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Code 58.1-1745, which authorizes any Virginia county or city to levy a five cents per bag tax on single-use plastic bags made available to customers in convenience stores, drug stores, and grocery stores. The Virginia Department of Tax Administration published final Virginia Plastic Bag Tax Guidelines on 09/01/2021.

The plastic bag tax of five cents would apply to single-use plastic bags in grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores. The tax would not apply to plastic bags intended for reuse; Plastic bags used solely for wrapping, holding or packaging certain items (ice cream, meat, fish, poultry, products, bulk bulk foods or perishable foods); Plastic bags for dry cleaning or prescription drugs; or multiple plastic bags sold in packages for removing trash, pet litter, or leaves.

“Working with Arlington and Alexandria to address plastic pollution makes perfect sense,” said Jeff McKay, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “Environmental problems such as pollution and water quality do not respect political or geographical borders, but rather common concerns that affect us all equally. I hope no one has to pay this tax as it is completely avoidable. I congratulate my colleagues in Arlington and Alexandria on accepting their plastic bag tax regulations. We look forward to working together to reduce local pollution and improve our natural environment in the years to come. ”

Until January 1, 2023, traders affected by the tax can withhold two cents for every five cents collected on each plastic bag. From January 1, 2023, the amount will drop to one cent.

The taxes levied can be used for environmental remediation; Providing educational programs to reduce waste, pollution and waste; or to provide reusable bags to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) benefits.

Visit the Plastic bag tax website for frequently asked questions and further information.