WASHINGTON - D.C. Council members voted unanimously Monday to impose a 5-cent per-bag tax on any non-reusable bag given to consumers at grocery, convenience, drug and liquor stores.

The tax impacts both paper and plastic disposable bags.

Mike Carter says that's "a good idea, if it's going to help the environment." 

"I think it's a good thing if people are taxed on their bags," said Raisa Stebbins. "They'll stop using using bags -- better for the environment, better for the people."

The bill prohibits businesses from paying the fee on behalf of customers. Establishments caught not taxing customers face a $100 fine for the first violation, $200 for the second and $500 for the third violation within one calendar year.

"I like the concept of what they are trying to accomplish but as a general rule, I don't like taxes," said Peter Brown. 

Four of the 5 cents from the new tax will go to cleaning up the Anacostia River. The other cent will go to businesses to off set the cost of implementing the new tax.

"It's an incentive for people to bring their own bags, so it could have a good effect," added Felicia Sonmez. 

And if you do bring your own reusable bag, you won't be hit the nickel tax. Northwest resident Lenwood Brown says that's exactly what he'll start doing.

"To keep the cost down and if it's helping to go green, then I'm all for it," he said.

The bill goes on to Mayor Adrian Fenty. If he signs it and Congress doesn't object, the new tax will go into effect January 1.

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