Gaithersburg, MD Single-Use Items: Plastic Bag Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

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Maryland state rule: Gaithersburg does not have a local ordinance for plastic bag rules. This topic is governed by Maryland state law and applies uniformly across the state.

Summary

The Maryland Plastic Bag Reduction Act of 2024 prohibits retailers from providing thin plastic carryout bags at the point of sale statewide.

Full Breakdown

Maryland's Plastic Bag Reduction Act, codified in the Environment Article, bans retail establishments from distributing single-use plastic carryout bags at checkout. Reusable bags meeting durability and thickness standards remain allowed, and paper bags may be offered, often with a per-bag charge enacted by local jurisdictions. Restaurants, grocers, and convenience stores are covered, while exemptions exist for produce, meat, bulk goods, prescription, and dry-cleaning bags. Local jurisdictions like Baltimore City and Montgomery County had earlier bag bans that remain in effect alongside the state law.

Violations & Fines

Civil penalties for retailers distributing prohibited bags can reach $500 per day and are enforced by local jurisdictions and the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are paper bags banned in Maryland too?

No, paper bags remain allowed but many local jurisdictions impose a per-bag charge.

Do thicker reusable plastic bags qualify?

Yes, durable reusable bags meeting state thickness and washability standards may still be sold.

Sources & Official References

[1]Source

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Gaithersburg, MD Single-Use Items: Plastic Bag Rules (2026)

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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