RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond shoppers will start paying a 5-cent tax on plastic bags beginning in 2026, following City Council’s approval of the environmental initiative in June.
The fee will appear on receipts when shopping at grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores throughout the city. Stores will keep one cent from each bag, while the city collects the remaining four cents.
The city expects to raise approximately $400,000 in the first year from the plastic bag tax. Officials plan to use that revenue to fund clean-up projects, education, and anti-pollution efforts. Some funds will also help provide reusable bags to lower-income residents…