Bag Bill in Salisbury, MD

The Ocean City Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation worked to pass Ordinance 2756 in Salisbury, MD. This ordinance bans single use plastic bags and places a 10 cent fee on paper and reusable bags at all retail and food establishments. The 10 cent fee stays with the merchant.

Surfrider volunteers have been involved in discussions since the beginning of this effort and were part of hearings held by Salisbury City Council on November 14 and 28, 2022. The Chapter sent a letter of support to the Council and coordinated with the Salisbury Sustainability Advisory Committee, also known as the Green Team. Chapter Chair Marina Feeser is a member of the Green Team. The ordinance takes effect July 1st, 2023.

Maryland is the only state in coastal Mid-Atlantic without plastic bag legislation. By passing local policies like this one, we hope to pressure the MD legislature into action.