Annapolis plastic bag reduction act to take effect in January 2025

BALTIMORE -- Annapolis' Plastic Bag Reduction Act will take effect in the new year, the city said in a statement.

The legislation, passed in July, restricts retail establishments from providing plastic bags to customers at checkout. The bill also requires stores to charge 10 cents for paper bags, with the proceeds staying with retailers. 

The Plastic Bag Reduction Act will take effect on January 22, 2025, the city said.

"The purpose of the Ordinance is to reduce plastic waste and protect local waterways and sensitive ecosystems by prohibiting the retail distribution of plastic carryout bags," the city said in a statement. 

The legislation mimics Anne Arundel County's "Bring Your Own Plastic Bag Reduction Act," which was passed in July. 

While Annapolis is located in Anne Arundel County, the city sets its own laws. 

There are several other new laws that will take effect in Maryland for the new year, including the Road Worker Protection Act which expands the use of speed cameras in work zones and raises the penalty for related traffic violations and law that requires hospitals to follow specific protocols when treating opioid-related emergencies.