Rockville opts into Montgomery Countys bag reduction law, banning most single-use plastic carryout bags

Rockvilles mayor and council on Nov. 10 voted to adopt an ordinance that allows the city to opt into Montgomery Countys Bring Your Own Bag law so the Countys plastic carryout bag reduction rules apply in Rockville.

Amanda Campbell, who presented the item, said the ordinance "simply allows Rockville to opt into the plastic carryout bag reduction section of Montgomery Countys Bring Your Own Bag law." She noted the County law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026 and said opting in would reduce confusion for retailers and consumers and allow the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection to include Rockville in outreach, education and enforcement.

If adopted as proposed, most retail establishments in Rockville would stop distributing single-use plastic carryout bags at the point of sale, with exemptions for practical uses (for example, perishable items and certain charitable food distributions) and protections for SNAP and WIC beneficiaries. Amanda Campbell said reusable carryout bags must meet the Countys definition and that the City would rely on County outreach to minimize duplicative work.

Council members expressed general support for the measure, noting the Rockville Environment Commission recommended following the Countys approach. Council moved to waive the layover period, introduced the ordinance, and adopted it by unanimous voice vote.

Next steps: Montgomery County will lead enforcement and outreach; Rockville staff said the city will coordinate with County efforts and that revenue from the bag fee will support stormwater and environmental programs as outlined in the County law and staff packet.