Tax on Plastic Bags Goes Into Effect in Virginia Localities

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The proposal for new taxes on plastic bags has come into effect in three North Virginia localities. The five-cent fee on single-use plastic bags came into effect in Arlington County, Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria starting Jan 1^st, 2022. The tax system, which was approved last year, has now come into force in retail shops in these three localities.

All single-use plastic bags, commonly used at grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores will fall under the new tax. However, bags used to wrap items like meat and fish, those used to carry laundry and prescription drugs and garbage bags are exempted. Also, plastic bags that are designed for reuse will also find exemption.

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Local administration cited environmental concerns as the reason for imposition of new tax. However, several business groups had raised opposition, saying that it would negatively impact low-income shoppers. Also, some Virginia business would also be affected, as people in borders of these localities may choose to shop from nearby locations without tax.

The revenue from the new tax will be partially distributed to businesses. The localities have ensured that they distributed reusable bags to at-risk communities and low-income residents, in a bid to minimize the impacts of the tax.