Montgomery County's Bring Your Own Bag Law
The Bring Your Own Bag Law establishes requirements for the use of plastic and paper carryout bags in Montgomery County and took effect on January 1, 2026. The law includes a 10-cent tax for paper carryout bags, of which the retailer keeps 5 cents, and prohibits the use of plastic carryout bags. Businesses in some municipalities in Montgomery County are exempt from the prohibition on the use of plastic bags.
The revenues from this charge are deposited into the County’s Water Quality Protection Charge (WQPC) fund. The revenues help to shift the burden of litter cleanup costs from public taxpayers to consumers who have a choice to avoid the 10-cent tax by bringing reusable bags.
The Bag Law and You
- Info for Retailers about the new Bring Your Own Bag Law, effective January 1, 2026
- Info for Residents about the Carryout Bag Tax Law, effective January 1, 2026