If you haven't heard already, the Better Bag Ordinance will become effective on September 1, 2023. This new ordinance aims to reduce single-use plastic bag waste and litter in our local waterways and tributary system by restricting the use of non-reusable plastic bags given or received at the point of purchase by City retailers and restaurants. The Ordinance encourages shoppers and patrons to use reusable bags for their groceries and other purchases. As part of the Ordinance, alternative bags like paper bags or reusable bags can be provided, but retailers must charge a minimum of $.10 per bag and may retain the entirety of the fee to cover costs. Restaurant carry-out bags are included in the Ordinance.

What are the exemptions to this law?

The Ordinance doesn’t apply to the following:

• Loose produce or bulk item bags (fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, candy, or small hardware items)
• Bags to wrap fresh meat or seafood
• Bags used to contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or other damp items
• Bags used to contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods
• Laundry/dry cleaning bags
• Bags for live fish, insects, mollusks, or crustaceans

Why Restrict Single-Use Plastic Bags?

Single-use plastic bags end up in our trees, streets, parks, and waterways, blocking storm drains and polluting our environment. Unfortunately, according to the EPA, only about 3% of single-use plastic bags are recycled nationwide. Further, single-use plastic bags are not accepted in the City’s recycling program because Prince George’s County, which receives City recycling materials, does not accept them at their Materials Recycling Facility as they damage sorting equipment. By restricting the use of single-use plastic bags, the Better Bag Ordinance will help the City meet its sustainability goals laid out in the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan for a more sustainable College Park.

Once the Better Bag Ordinance goes into effect on September 1, 2023, City Code Enforcement will enforce the ban through citations and fines for non-compliance for each violation. Community members can report non-compliance via the City’s reporting system available at www.collegeparkmd.gov/tellus.

For more information about the Better Bag Ordinance, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/betterbag.