Fairfax County charges a five-cent tax on disposable plastic bags at grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies. Authorized by Virginia Code 58.1-1745, effective in Fairfax since January 2022.
Virginia Code 58.1-1745, enacted in 2020, authorized counties and cities to impose a five-cent tax on disposable plastic bags provided at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted the tax effective January 1, 2022. Retailers collect the tax and remit through the Virginia Department of Taxation; small retailers receive a temporary collection allowance. Bags used for ice cream, prescription drugs, dry cleaning, bulk produce, raw meat, and live plants are exempt. Revenue funds environmental cleanup, education, and free reusable bag distribution to SNAP and WIC participants. Reusable, paper, and home-delivery bags are not taxed.
Retailers that fail to collect or remit the tax face Virginia Department of Taxation enforcement, including back-tax assessments, interest, and civil penalties under state revenue law.
See how Fairfax's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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