Richmond council approves 5¢ disposable plastic bag fee effective Jan. 1, 2026

The Richmond City Council on Monday adopted an ordinance establishing a 5¢ fee on single-use checkout plastic bags distributed by grocery stores, drugstores and convenience stores in the city, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026.

City Director of the Office of Sustainability Laura Thomas told the council the fee would send 4¢ per bag to the city and 1¢ per bag to the retailer and that the city anticipates about $400,000 in year‑one revenue and roughly $100,000–$150,000 in subsequent years as bag usage declines.

Supporters said the fee is intended to reduce litter and stormwater impacts and to fund environmental cleanups and reusable bag distribution to SNAP and WIC participants. Steve Marzoff, chair of Richmond’s Clean City Commission, told the council the commission fully supports the ordinance. Ashley Coles, a Clean City Commission member, also spoke in favor during a virtual public comment.

Why it matters: Council members…