Richmond Council proposes 5¢ plastic bag fee to reduce litter and fund environmental initiatives

The Richmond City Council meeting on June 2, 2025, focused on two significant topics: the evaluation of traffic camera effectiveness and the introduction of a disposable plastic bag tax.

During the meeting, Council Member Jones raised concerns about the current traffic cameras in place, questioning their effectiveness in reducing traffic violations and accidents. Jones emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment of the existing cameras before considering the installation of additional ones. He highlighted a recent fatality on Hull Street, underscoring the urgency of understanding how the current system is functioning. Jones called for data on whether the cameras are contributing to safer roads and suggested that the community deserves transparency regarding their impact.

In response, Council Member Lynch proposed to continue discussions on the traffic camera resolution until June 9, allowing time to address the concerns raised by Jones and others. The council unanimously approved this motion, indicating a collective commitment to ensuring that any future measures are backed by data and community input.

The second major topic was the proposed ordinance to implement a disposable plastic bag tax in Richmond. Laura Thomas, the Director of the Office of Sustainability, presented the plan, which would impose a 5-cent fee on plastic bags distributed by grocers, drug stores, and convenience stores. The revenue generated from this fee would be split, with 4 cents going to the city and 1 cent to the retailers. The initiative aims to reduce litter, protect stormwater infrastructure, and enhance environmental quality. If approved, the tax would take effect on January 1, 2026, allowing for a six-month outreach period to educate the public and businesses about the new regulation.

The council's discussions reflect a proactive approach to addressing community safety and environmental concerns, with a focus on data-driven decision-making and public engagement.