In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a new legislative proposal aimed at reducing plastic waste in Montgomery County. The proposed bill, dubbed the \"Bring Your Own Bag\" initiative, seeks to ban single-use plastic carryout bags and enhance compliance measures for retailers. This move is part of a broader effort to align with environmental goals and improve public health standards.

Montgomery County has been a pioneer in addressing plastic waste since 2011, but officials acknowledged that other jurisdictions have made more significant strides in eliminating single-use plastic bags. A report from the Office of Legislative Oversight highlighted that the county's current program has not met its initial expectations, prompting a reevaluation of strategies.

Key features of the new bill include a ban on single-use plastic bags, a definition of reusable bags borrowed from other jurisdictions to ensure consistency for regional retailers, and an increase in the bag fee for paper bags from 5 cents to 10 cents. Under the new structure, retailers would receive 5 cents of the fee, a significant increase from the current 1 cent, while the remaining 5 cents would be allocated to the county's water quality protection fund.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to exempt recipients of SNAP and WIC from the bag fee. Notably, while plastic bags will be prohibited, paper bags used for leftovers, carryout, or food delivery will not incur the fee.

The initiative reflects a collaborative effort involving residents, environmental advocates, and local businesses, with officials expressing gratitude to community members for their input and support. As the bill progresses, it aims to position Montgomery County as a leader in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.