Montgomery County Passes Disposable Bag Fee

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Montgomery County has approved a 5-cent bag tax modeled after the one that took effect in the nation's capital last year.

The Montgomery County Council approved the tax on both paper and plastic bags on Tuesday. It is expected to generate $1 million next year, some of which will be used for water and litter cleanup. It will take effect Jan. 1.

Unlike D.C.'s law, Montgomery County's tax would apply to nearly all stores, not just those that sell food.

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