FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2022
REMINDER – Plastic Bag Tax Goes Into Effect on January 1, 2023 in Charlottesville
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The City of Charlottesville is moving to reduce plastic pollution in our community. As authorized through Virginia Code § 58.1-1745, retailers will be required to charge $0.05 per disposable plastic bag provided to customers at checkout.
While this does not eliminate the use of all plastic bags, it incentivizes the use of recycled materials and reusable containers such as non-plastic bags, boxes, and baskets for transporting purchased items.
The tax will be administered by the Virginia Department of Taxation. Contact Virginia Tax at (804) 367-8031 with any questions about administration or enforcement.
What is the Plastic Bag Tax?
A 5-cent tax on applicable plastic bags, aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
How will the revenue from the tax be used?
The revenue must be used to purchase and distribute reusable bags to vulnerable populations and fund environmental education and litter clean-up programs.
What type of plastic bags will be impacted?
Plastic bags subject to the tax are disposable, plastic bags provided to shoppers in grocery stores, convenience stores, or pharmacies at checkout.
Plastic bags that are not subject to the tax:
• 4mm thick plastic bags with handles designed for multiple uses
• Plastic bags solely used to wrap, contain or package goods to prevent damage or contamination.
More information is available at: charlottesville.gov/plasticbagtax.
Media Contact
Alex Ikefuna, Director
Office of Community Solutions
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3127
ikefuna@charlottesville.gov
