Government > Housing and Community Development > Code Enforcement > Plastic Bag Ban

Plastic Bag Ban

The City of Takoma Park has banned the use of single-use, point of sale, plastic bags within the boundaries of the City of Takoma Park. This page contains information on the plastic bag ban to assist businesses and residents with compliance.

City Ordinances

The Charter and Code for the City of Takoma Park prohibit businesses from single-use, plastic bags at the point of sale of goods. To review the sections of the City Code that pertains to vendors and the plastic bag ban visit the following pages:

Penalties

Violation of the ban is a class D municipality infraction resulting in a $100 fine for the first offense, $200 fine for any following offenses.

Plastic Bag Ban Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the ban take effect?

The ban is effective on December 1, 2016. (Farmers markets effective December 1, 2017.)

Why are plastic bags prohibited?

Plastic bags have an adverse impact on the environment. By imposing a ban, the City of Takoma Park promotes the use of more sustainable alternatives for a healthier community.

What is considered a plastic bag?

Plastic bags are described as any plastic, non-biodegradable, single-use bag distributed at the point of sale.

Code Enforcement covers the following Initiatives and Bans:

Filing a Code Complaint
Anti-Litter Initiative
Enforcement Process
Noise Control
Plastic Bag Ban
Plastic Straws and Stirrers Ban
Polystyrene Ban
Property Maintenance Code
Safe Grow
Suburban Deer Management

(FAQ) – continues

Who is affected by this ban?

Any business within the boundaries of the City of Takoma Park that distributes bags at the point of sale.

Are there exceptions to the ban?

Yes, these exceptions include:

dry cleaning bags
newspaper bags (when delivered by the publisher)
non-point of sale bags such as those used for raw or bulk items like produce, grains, candy, and small hardware items

Farmers makers are exempt from the ban until December 2017, at which time they may use approved compostable bags.