Yes, plastic bags are banned in Maryland. Since July 1, 2022, the Plastic Bag Reduction Act has prohibited retailers statewide from giving out thin plastic carryout bags at checkout, and stores must charge at least 10 cents for a paper or reusable bag instead. Several counties and cities layer their own rules on top of the state law, so the fee and a few of the details depend on where you shop.
What the Ban Actually Prohibits
The law targets plastic carryout bags thinner than 4 mils. Those are the standard flimsy bags you used to get at grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail checkouts. Thicker reusable plastic bags built for repeated use aren’t covered.
The prohibition reaches any retail establishment that provides bags at the point of sale. That includes in-store shopping, curbside pickup, and delivery orders.
Plastic Bags That Are Still Allowed
Plenty of plastic bags didn’t disappear. The law keeps exceptions for hygiene, food safety, and practical necessity:
- Bags for produce, bulk items, nuts, grains, and candy
- Bags wrapping meat, fish, frozen foods, unwrapped prepared foods, or bakery items
- Bags a pharmacist provides for prescription medication
- Dry cleaning bags and bags around flowers or potted plants
The Bag Fee
If you don’t bring your own bag, you pay for one. The statewide minimum is 10 cents per paper or reusable bag. Retailers generally keep that money to cover the cost of stocking alternatives.1Anne Arundel County Government. Bring Your Own Bag Plastic Reduction Act
Local jurisdictions that had bag laws before the state acted sometimes charge less. Baltimore City and Baltimore County set the minimum at 5 cents per bag.2Baltimore Office of Sustainability. Plastic Bag Ban: Information For Residents3Baltimore County Government. Bring Your Own Bag Law
Bringing a reusable bag from home is the way to avoid paying anything.
SNAP and WIC Shoppers
Some Maryland jurisdictions exempt shoppers using government food assistance from the bag fee. Montgomery County’s law says that if any portion of your purchase is paid with SNAP, WIC, or similar benefits, the bag charge doesn’t apply to the whole transaction.4Montgomery County, MD. Bring Your Own Bag Law for Retailers If you use food assistance, check your county’s rule before assuming the exemption applies.
Where Local Rules Change the Picture
The state law is a floor. When a county or city ordinance is stricter, the local rule controls.
Baltimore City
Baltimore City’s ban took effect October 1, 2021, about nine months before the state law. The city requires a minimum 5-cent fee on paper, compostable, and thicker reusable plastic bags handed out at the point of sale, pickup, or delivery.2Baltimore Office of Sustainability. Plastic Bag Ban: Information For Residents
Baltimore County
Baltimore County’s Bring Your Own Bag Act sets a 5-cent minimum for paper or reusable bags. Fast food and takeout operations are exempt from the paper bag fee.3Baltimore County Government. Bring Your Own Bag Law
Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County’s ban started January 1, 2024, with the fee following on February 1, 2024. Retailers charge at least 10 cents per bag and keep the money.1Anne Arundel County Government. Bring Your Own Bag Plastic Reduction Act
Montgomery County
Montgomery County’s updated Bring Your Own Bag Tax Law takes effect January 1, 2026. It bans plastic carryout bags and raises the paper bag fee from 5 cents to 10 cents. Retailers keep 5 cents; the other 5 cents goes to the county’s Water Quality Protection Charge fund. SNAP and WIC shoppers are exempt from the fee.5Montgomery County, MD. Plastic Bags Will Be Banned Starting Jan 1, 20264Montgomery County, MD. Bring Your Own Bag Law for Retailers
Restaurants and Takeout
The ban applies to restaurants and food service, not just retail stores. But the law makes practical room for how takeout works:
- Bags containing unwrapped prepared food or bakery items are exempt from the ban
- Bags needed to meet food safety and contamination standards are exempt
- Fast food restaurants and other takeout operations don’t have to charge the paper bag fee on food orders, including doggy bags for leftovers
So a takeout counter can’t give you a thin plastic bag, but it won’t add a charge for the paper bag your order comes in.
What Happens if a Store Breaks the Rules
Retailers that hand out banned plastic bags or fail to charge the required fee face civil penalties of up to $500 per violation. The two offenses count separately, so giving out a banned bag and skipping the fee in the same transaction is two violations.6Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA. Bag it Right (Better Bag Bill)
Enforcement happens at the county level. Baltimore County’s Department of Permits, Approvals and Inspections handles complaints there.3Baltimore County Government. Bring Your Own Bag Law Prince George’s County’s Department of the Environment oversees compliance in that county.6Prince George’s County, Maryland, USA. Bag it Right (Better Bag Bill) If a store is still giving out banned bags or ignoring the fee, your county’s environmental or code enforcement office is where to report it.