Federal Laws

U.S. Congress

The Plastic Bag Reduction Act of 2009

• H.R. 2091, introduced 4/22/09
  • Similar to Washington DC's Anacostia River Clean Up & Protection Act, would place 5-cent fee on single-use bags (increased to 25-cent fee in 2015).
  • Referred to committee.

Trash Reduction Act of 2015

• H.R. 3977, introduced 11/5/2015
  • This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require retailers to pay a $0.10 excise tax on each carryout bag provided to a consumer. A "carryout bag" means a bag of any material, commonly plastic or kraft paper, which is provided to a consumer at the point of sale to carry or cover purchases, merchandise, or other items. Reusable bags and certain other bags used for specified purposes are exempt from such tax.
  • Referred to committee.

This is not a complete list of federal plastic bag laws introduced.