Anne Arundel County Council Maintains Shopping Bag Fee

Anne Arundel County Council Maintains Shopping Bag Fee

In a 3-4 vote Monday night, the Anne Arundel County Council rejected Bill 92-24, which proposed eliminating the 10-cent shopping bag fee. The current law, designed to encourage reusable bag usage and reduce environmental waste, will remain in place.

Key Points:

• The proposed bill would have removed the bag fee and associated penalties for retailers
• Supporters argue the fee promotes environmental consciousness
• Opponents claim the charge disproportionately impacts economically vulnerable residents

Councilwoman Shannon Leadbetter, who proposed the bill, emphasized consumer choice, noting businesses could still independently choose to charge for bags. Councilman Nathan Volke argued that maintaining the fee creates a psychological barrier encouraging bag reuse.

Maryland Retail Association representatives supported continuing the policy, stating it provides consistent expectations across retail settings and reduces competitive pricing challenges.

Councilwoman Allison Pickard noted the policy hasn’t been in place long enough to warrant reevaluation, contributing to the bill’s defeat.

The decision leaves the 10-cent bag fee intact, reflecting ongoing community debate about environmental initiatives and consumer costs in Anne Arundel County.