District of Columbia Statewide Rule
DC Charges 5-Cent Fee on Disposable Carryout Bags
Key Facts
- Fee per bag
- $0.05
- Governing law
- D.C. Code § 8-102.03
- Enforcing agency
- DOEE
- Penalty
- Class 4 infraction (16 DCMR 3201)
- Applies to
- Food/alcohol retailers
Summary
Washington, DC charges consumers 5 cents for every disposable paper or plastic carryout bag at retail establishments that sell food or alcohol, with proceeds funding Anacostia River cleanup under the 2009 Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Act.
A consumer making a purchase from a retail establishment shall pay at the time of purchase a fee of $.05 for each disposable carryout bag. ... All retail establishments shall indicate on the consumer transaction receipt the number of disposable carryout bags provided and the total amount of fee charged.
Full Breakdown
Under D.C. Official Code § 8-102.03(a), a consumer pays $.05 for each disposable carryout bag at the point of sale, and the receipt must show the number of bags provided and total fee charged. Retailers cannot advertise that they will absorb the fee. The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) administers the program; retailers keep a portion of each nickel and remit the rest to the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund. Bags must also be recyclable and printed with the phrase 'Please Recycle This Bag' per § 8-102.02.
Violations & Penalties
A violation is a class 4 infraction under the Schedule of Fines in 16 DCMR § 3201, with no more than one penalty imposed on a retail establishment within any 7-day period. DOEE enforces, and citation revenue funds inspectors and enforcement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is DC's bag fee?
Where does the bag fee money go?
Does DC ban plastic bags outright?
Sources
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