Explaining Montgomery County's Bag Tax

Montgomery County will host free hourlong webinars to explain the new bag tax law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2012.

The first of several webinars scheduled through January is slated for Tuesday, Oct. 11. 

In short, if you don't BYOB when you shop you will be charged 5 cents per bag. Businesses keep a penny for every bag taxed, with proceeds going to the county's litter- and pollution-fighting efforts. 

The intention, according to the legislation, is to transfer the burden of liter cleanup onto people who choose to use paper or plastic bags instead of bringing their own. The county estimates the bag tax will bring in more than a million dollars in revenue in its first year.

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett introduced the bill to the council, following the footsteps of Washington, D.C., which adopted at similar 5-cent bag tax in 2009. The measure passed in an 8-1 vote, with councilwoman Nancy Floreen casting sole "no" vote.