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1. Must stores charge all shoppers the bag tax?

All customers must be charged except those who provide proof of participation in a federal or state Food Assistance Program. Examples of Food Assistance Programs include EBT, SNAP, or WIC. Customers will need to volunteer this information to become exempt.

2. How can shoppers avoid the bag tax?

Shoppers can avoid paying the ten cent bag tax by bringing their own bags, including reusing disposable bags that they already have, or refusing a bag when they make a purchase.

3. Are some types of bags exempt from the tax?

Yes. The tax on single-use bags does not apply to any bag brought into a store by a customer, nor does it apply to packages containing multiple bags for food storage, garbage, pet waste, or yard waste. Additionally, the tax does not apply to:

1. Bags provided by a pharmacist that contain a prescription drug 
2. Any newspaper bag or bag intended for dry cleaning
3. Bags provided at a seasonal event, such as a farmers market, yard sale, etc.
4. Bags used to package a bulk item or to wrap a perishable item 
5. Bags used to package carryout food from a food service establishment 

4. Does the tax apply to bags used for delivery orders or self-checkout?

Yes. The bag tax must be applied to each disposable bag (plastic, paper, or other material including but not limited to compostable material) used to deliver goods or provided at self-checkout. It is recommended that stores place notification of the bag tax at each self-checkout location. Printable materials for signage are available on this webpage. 

Online ordering services are able to charge a card an estimated amount when the order is placed, then change this amount after the fact depending on how many bags are used.