Baltimore City Plastic Bag Reduction Program

We are participating in the Baltimore City Plastic Bag Reduction Program. What does this mean to you?

• We may not offer you a carry-out plastic bag for your purchases.
• We may provide a carry-out plastic bag but only if you ask for one.
• You may purchase a large reusable bag for $1 including tax.
• We encourage you to bring your own reusable, plastic or paper bag to carry-out your purchases.
• We are accepting used plastic bags for recycling.
• We will continue to tie boxes (such as donuts, cakes, etc) with biodegradable string for your convenience.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this program.

FAQ – Plastic Bag Reduction Program

Q. What is the Plastic Bag Reduction Program?

A. The City of  Baltimore passed an ordinance creating a Plastic Bag Reduction Program, which seeks to reduce the use of disposable plastic bags and plastic bag waste.  The program encourages recycling of plastic bags and making reusable bags available for purchase.  If a business participates in the program, it may provide a plastic carry-out bag only if the customer requests one.  If the business does not participate in the program, then it may not provide a plastic carry-out bag to its customers.

Q. Why are you participating?

A. This is the most economical and practical way to reduce waste and improve the environment without raising our prices.  Large paper sacks and shopping bags with handles are significantly more expensive than plastic carry-out bags. If we switched to paper bags for you to carry-out your purchases, we would have to raise prices.  We thank you for your understanding with this policy and believe this is the best approach to reduce plastic bag pollution without causing you any inconvenience.

If you plan on purchasing multiple items, we encourage you to bring in your own bag, whether it is a reusable bag, a used plastic bag, or a paper shopping bag.  Our boxed items (such as donut or cake boxes) are tied in bio-degradable string, which make it easier to carry. Of course, if you have multiple boxes, a carry-out bag is a more convenient way to take home your goods while also preventing any damage.  As we package your order, please let us know of any special needs or you may request a plastic carry-out bag. We will do our best to accommodate you under the rules of the program.

Q. Are paper shopping bags available?

A. No, unfortunately, we cannot supply free paper shopping bags due to the expense.  However, as a special, we are offering a large reusable handled bag (length 13”, gusset 10”, height 14.5”) for $1 including sales tax. This bag would retail for $2 in other stores. The bag is slightly larger than most reusable bags being offered by grocery or discount stores at the same price. It has a bottom insert which adds both strength for many heavy items and rigidity to keep the bag open for loading .  This special bag is a great value and quantities are limited. After we run out, we will be selling a regular grocery size reusable bag.

We will continue to use smaller paper bags or boxes for the direct packaging of your goods.

Q. Why must I ask for a plastic carry-out bag?

A. This is one of the ways the program seeks to reduce the use of plastic carry-out bags. Requesting a bag makes all of us more aware of the pollution issue and the need to reduce our dependence on plastic bags. It also reminds us to recycle the plastic bags once they are no longer useful.  This is one thing we can all do to help create a cleaner Baltimore.

Q. May I bring  in my old plastic bags for recycling?

A. Yes.  We have a recycling bin in our store where you may bring your unwanted plastic bags. Please use this for plastic bags only. Plastic bags must be clean and not be soiled with food or other substances.  We encourage you to reuse plastic bags as much as possible before recycling  them.

Q. Where can I find out more information about the Plastic Bag Reduction Program?

A. Visit the Baltimore Office of Sustainability website for more information about this program.