Wegmans Will Stop Offering Plastic Bags At NoVA Stores On July 1

NORTHERN VIRGINIA ? Wegmans stores across northern Virginia will stop offering plastic bags on July 1, the company announced on Monday. The change is part of a company-wide effort encouraging customers to use paper or reusable shopping bags.

The change will impact Wegmans locations in Lake Manassas, Woodbridge, Ashburn, and Leesburg. The company will also stop offering plastic bags at its facilities in Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, and its four stores in North Carolina.

In April, Wegmans announced its intention to eliminate all plastic bags across the company by the end of 2022. The company said its goal is to preserve the environment by pushing customers towards reusable shopping bags.

"We understand shoppers are accustomed to receiving plastic bags at checkout and losing that option requires a significant change. We are here to help our customers with this transition as we focus on doing what?s right for the environment," said Jason Wadsworth, Wegmans category merchant for packaging, energy, and sustainability. "As we?ve encountered plastic bag legislation in numerous markets, we?ve learned there?s more we can do, and a bigger impact we can make, together with our customers."

Several Virginia localities, including Loudoun County, have adopted taxes on single-use plastic bags. Loudoun County's tax of five cents per plastic bag goes into effect on July 1.

Read more: Plastic Bag Tax Comes To Loudoun County On July 1

Wegmans stores will also charge customers 5 cents per paper bag. The amount collected from the paper bag charge will be donated to each store?s local food bank, the company said in a news release. Wegmans said it hopes the paper bag charge will encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags, which are better for the environment.

Wegmans officials said the paper bag charge allowed to company to donate $1.7 million dollars to food banks across the country in 2021.

More information about Wegmans' efforts to limit single-use plastics is available on the company's website.