Report: County Bag Tax Brings $2 Million In Revenue

Montgomery County's controversial 5-cent tax on shopping bags has brought in more than $2 million in its first year, The Washington Examiner reported.

The $2.1 million total through November could be pushed to $2.2 million once December numbers come in, county spokesperson Patrick Lacefield told The Washington Examiner.

Projections that the tax would generate about $1 million in the first year were based on Washington, DC's, first year (2011) with the tax, according to the report. DC's system has brought in less money than expected as people brought their own bags to stores.

“This is not a revenue generator for us,” Leggett explained last year. “Montgomery County’s budget is about $4.6 billion, so a million is hardly a revenue source that is going to make a difference in Montgomery County. 

The Montgomery County bag tax took effect on Jan. 1, 2012, and was intended to reduce the number of plastic bags in county waterways. Funds from the tax go toward solid waste management, watershed restoration, litter pick-up and stormwater management.

Read the full story on bag tax revenue on The Washington Examiner.

SPEAK OUT: One year after the bag tax took effect in Montgomery County, where do you stand on it? Do you pony up the extra change to pay for your bags each time you shop or do you bring your own reusable bags? Tell us in the comments!