Richmond's Single-Use Items: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles single-use items a little differently. In Richmond, Virginia, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Plastic Bag Rules

Richmond imposes a five-cent disposable plastic bag tax under Virginia Code Section 58.1-1745, charged at grocery stores, convenience stores and drugstores; revenue funds environmental and food-access programs.

Key details: State authority: VA Code 58.1-1745. Rate: 5 cents per bag. Effective: Jan 1, 2022. Exempt: Restaurants, clothing.

Retailers who fail to collect or remit the bag tax face Virginia Department of Taxation penalties, interest and potential business-license consequences from Richmond.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Virginia Code Section 10.1-1424.4 phases out expanded polystyrene foam food service containers; Richmond restaurants and food trucks must comply with the statewide deadline schedule based on chain size.

Key details: State authority: VA Code 10.1-1424.4. Largest chains: Earliest deadline. All vendors: Phased by 2025. Waivers: Hardship via DEQ.

Continued use of polystyrene foam food containers after the applicable Virginia deadline can result in DEQ civil penalties and Richmond business-license action.

Utensils-On-Request

Richmond restaurants are encouraged but not required to provide single-use utensils, straws and condiments only on customer request; no statewide Virginia mandate exists, so this remains a voluntary best practice.

Key details: Status: Voluntary, not mandated. Dillon Rule: Limits city authority. City program: RVAgreen 2050. Customer action: Ask at checkout.

Because the practice is voluntary, there are no fines for restaurants. Failure to participate has no legal consequence under current Virginia or Richmond law.

Richmond is more permissive than most cities when it comes to utensils-on-request. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Richmond's single-use items rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Richmond is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Richmond's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.