Background
In 2020, Virginia General Assembly passed SB11, which authorizes any county or city in Virginia to impose a tax of five cents per bag on disposable plastic bags provided to customers by convenience stores, drug stores, and grocery stores beginning no earlier than January 1, 2021. The Northern Virginia Regional Waste Management Board (Waste Board) created the Northern Virginia plastic pollution website.
A number of questions arise from legislation that require clarification before implementation. Waste Board and other commonwealth jurisdictions have identified a number of questions found here. Further, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission reached out to the Governor for clarifications directed in the legislation. Provided is the letter and the state's response.
Local governments are engaged in coordination through the Waste Board to align outreach, education, and common language for localities to ensure consistency and clarity. As a part of that effort NVRC and local staff will survey area groceries, pharmacies, and convenience stores.
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