Howard County Bag Fee Program
Retailers in Howard County are required to collect $0.05 for each disposable plastic bag issued to a customer at the point of sale, and are required to display signage where carts are kept and at each place where customers pay.
Stores may print the free signs provided below or create their own Bag Fee Program compliant signs.
For more information on how this program is benefiting our community, please visit the Live Green Howard website.
If Your Business Provides More Than 1,000 Bags Per Quarter
You must report the total number of bags and remit $0.04 for each disposable plastic bag provided to your customer at the point of sale to the Director of Finance.
| Quarter | Payment Due |
|---|---|
| January - March | April 30 |
| April - June | July 31 |
| July - September | October 31 |
| October - December | January 31 |
If Your Business Provides Less Than 1,000 Bags Per Quarter
You must complete the Howard County Minimum Exemption Form and email it to bagfee@howardcountymd.gov
| Quarter | Form Due |
|---|---|
| January - March | April 30 |
| April - June | July 31 |
| July - September | October 31 |
| October - December | January 31 |
If Your Business Does Not Provide Plastic Bags
You must complete the Howard County Annual Exemption Form every July and email it to bagfee@howardcountymd.gov for your business to remain compliant with the Howard County Bag Fee Program.
If Your Business Does Not Sell Product At Point Of Sale
You must complete and agree to the terms of the Howard County Annual Bag Fee Program, and email the completed form to bagfee@howardcountymd.gov
If Your Business Is A Restaurant
Are restaurants included? Restaurants are not included in the legislation at this time; however, they are required to complete the Howard County Bag Fee Program Exemption Agreement. If your restaurant has been collecting the bag fee from your customers, you must remit payment at www.howardcountymd.gov/paybagfee, discontinue charging your customers and complete the Howard County Bag Fee Program Exemption Agreement.
What is considered a restaurant for the purpose of the Howard County Bag Fee? A place located in a permanent building with a kitchen equipped with the necessary amenities and utensils for preparing meals for customers. The place must contain a public dining area where the meal of their choosing may be served and eaten on the premises. Such restaurants may also offer take-out and food delivery services. A restaurant does not include convenience stores, delis, and mini-marts unless they have an eat-in area with tables. (An establishment with raised tables with or without seating where people may stand and eat also counts as a restaurant.)
You must complete and agree to the terms of the Howard County Annual Bag Fee Program, and email the completed form to bagfee@howardcountymd.gov