What you need to know about the new tax:

• The 5 cent plastic bag tax starts April 1 in the City. Neighboring jurisdictions started the tax on January 1.
• Certain retailers will charge 5 cents at checkout per each plastic bag used. 
• There are about 20 stores in the City that will be affected: grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores.
• Some plastic bags -- like those used for meat, seafood, and vegetables -- are exempt.
• Skip the tax by bringing your own reusable bags, or opt for paper bags.
• The City provided tote bags to neighbors in need. (If you are a SNAP or WIC beneficiary, you may pick up a bag from Housing and Human Services in City Hall, 300 Park Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Questions? Contact Housing and Human Services: hhsinfo@fallschurchva.gov or 703-248-5005 (TTY 711).)
• Revenue from the tax will go toward environmental cleanup programs, pollution and litter mitigation programs, educational programs on environmental waste reduction, and for providing reusable bags to neighbors in need.
• Learn more about the regional effort to stop plastic bag pollution

Once you start using reusable bags, make sure you're keeping them clean!