In 2010, DC became the first US jurisdiction to implement a fee on all bags used at retail grocery stores. There is currently a 5-cent bag fee in place in DC for both plastic and paper bags. Revenue from the bag fee goes towards the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund, which is used to support watershed protection and clean-up efforts including multiple Anacostia Riverkeeper programs like Bandalong Trash Traps and Anacostia River Explorers boat tours. From 2010-2022, the Bag Fund generated a total of $28,819,013 in revenue.
In the years following the implementation, Anacostia Riverkeeper saw a decline in the number of plastic bags found in the Anacostia River. However, the societal changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reversal in plastic bag pollution trends with an uptick in plastic bags we have found at trash cleanups along the River. With a new commitment from the District government to eliminate single-use plastics by 2025, it is imperative that we continue to strengthen and adapt policies to ensure we continue to reduce plastic use and pollution.
The pollution of rivers by plastics, particularly plastic bags, has far-reaching effects on water quality, aquatic life, and biodiversity. Fish, birds, and other wildlife often ingest plastic debris, mistaking it for food. This can lead to internal injuries, digestive issues, and, in some cases, starvation due to the ingestion of non-nutritive material. The accumulation of plastic bags and other plastic debris in rivers can also adversely affect water quality. As plastics break down into microplastics, they release harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, into the water. These chemicals can disrupt endocrine systems in both wildlife and humans, leading to a host of health problems. The Anacostia River serves as a poignant example of how urban waterways are particularly vulnerable to this type of pollution.
In Spring 2024, we worked with a group of students from the George Washington University M.A. Program in Environmental Resource Policy to examine plastic bag pollution in the Anacostia River. The study evaluated the success of the District’s current 5-cent bag fee and examined alternative policies.
Their research led to four policy alternatives:
When comparing these policy alternatives, they looked at four criteria: ability to reduce plastic bag pollution in the Anacostia River, equity, cost to relevant stakeholders, and administrative feasibility.
The group concluded that a combination of banning plastic bags and imposing a 10 cent fee on other retail bags, such as paper bags, is the most effective and feasible policy solution to effectively discourage plastic bag use and promote environmental sustainability.
If enacted, this policy alternative will result in the largest reduction in plastic pollution entering the Anacostia River. Additionally, raising the fee on other retail bags will allow for continued funding of important conservation work across the District and within disadvantaged communities. They note that this should include a new carveout for nutrition assistance program (like SNAP) recipients to ensure a just transition away from single-use retail plastic bags.
Addressing plastic bag pollution in the Anacostia River requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, public education, and improvements in waste management infrastructure. This includes enforcing current policies – if you see a District business or restaurant in violation of the bag fee (i.e. not charging you for a bag), you can report a tip here.
If we work together, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution on rivers and achieve a #PlasticFreeDC. Learn more about our trash mitigation programs here and read the full report from the GW group below.
