Anne Arundel County Council Votes to Ban Plastic Bags
On June 6, 2023, the Anne Arundel County Council voted to ban plastic bags to reduce waste and protect the environment. The “Ban the Bag” Act was approved by a vote of 5-2, with two council members voting against the ban.
Under the new law, most retailers in Anne Arundel County will be prohibited from giving customers free plastic bags. Instead, shoppers will be encouraged to bring their reusable bags or pay a small fee for paper bags.
The ban will take effect on October 1, 2023, giving retailers and shoppers time to adjust to the new policy. The law will apply to all retail establishments in the county, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and department stores.
The Anne Arundel County Council hopes that the ban will reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and waterways. Plastic bags are a significant source of pollution and can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Impact on the Community
While some residents and business owners have expressed concern about the ban, others see it as a positive step towards a more sustainable future. Many retailers have already begun to phase out plastic bags in anticipation of the new law.
The Anne Arundel County Council is also working to educate the community about the benefits of reusable bags and other eco-friendly practices. By working together, we can all do our part to protect the environment and create a cleaner, healthier community for future generations.
