Bring Your Own Bag

On January 1, 2023, certain retail stores in Albemarle County, as defined by Virginia Code § 58.1-1745, will be required to charge $0.05 per disposable plastic bag provided to customers at checkout.  

Why tax the bags? 

This is an effort to reduce the number of plastic bags used in the community - an intention in line with the County’s natural resource stewardship and climate action goals – due to the negative impact of disposable plastic bags on the environment.  

The change to reusable bags may be challenging at first, but the results are truly in our community’s best interest: 

  • While disposable bags are recyclable, the recycling rates are actually quite low. In fact, a lot of recycling equipment can’t handle the bags as they can get snagged and clog up machinery. 
  • Plastic bags pose a risk to animals and their habitats. Not only are the bags mistaken them food, which can cause health problems or death, animals can become tangled in them. 
  • Disposable bags are likely to end up as litter – resulting in not only an eyesore but a costly clean-up effort. 
  • Reusable bags can be used for many reasons beyond a trip to the grocery store – and are often much more durable than disposable plastic bags. 
  • Studies have found that plastic bag mitigation efforts have decreased the number of plastic litter in nearby waterways. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find responses to questions about the Plastic Bag Tax. Click on the question and the answer will appear in a pop-up box.

  • What should I do if I have concerns about the collection/remittance of the tax?

  • What if store's are collecting money for other bags than just disposable plastic ones?

  • Are all plastic bags being taxed?

  • Does the tax apply to online purchases and home delivery services?

  • How can I avoid the tax as a consumer?

  • How is the County supporting those who may not be able to afford the tax or to purchase reusable bags?

  • How should I take care/maintain my reusable bags?

  • How will the money collected be used?

  • How will the tax be enforced at self-checkout?

  • If I return an item and the plastic bag purchased with that item, can I receive a refund on the plastic bag tax?

  • What authority does the County of Albemarle have to implement this tax?

  • What if I cannot afford a reusable bag?

  • What types of bags are subject to this tax?

  • When does the tax go into effect?

  • Which businesses does this tax affect?

  • Why has Albemarle County adopted this tax?

  • Will plastic bags be prohibited?

Information for Local Businesses (click to expand)