5-cent bag tax comes to Montgomery Co.

Kate Ryan, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – When you head to a store in Montgomery County, you’re now being charged a nickel for each bag you use unless you bring your own.

Like D.C., Montgomery County adopted the law to help stem the tide of plastic bags that clog area waterways and stormwater facilities. Montgomery County estimates it spends about $3 million a year on litter cleanup efforts. The bag fees will help cover that cost.

All Whole Foods Market stores in Montgomery County will hand out free reusable bags Monday.

You can get a free, reusable bag on Tuesday if you forget your own. You might even be handed a bag by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett who will be handing out hundreds of freebies at the Hillandale Forest Shopping Center off New Hampshire Avenue on Tuesday, starting at 11:30 a.m.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

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