Do you have enough reusable bags? Mayor Adrian Fenty signed into law today the bill that will establish a 5 cent fee charged to consumers for every disposable plastic or paper bag they take from a retailer. The mayor’s action means the 5 cent fee will go into effect in January (unless of course Congress intervenes, but we kinda doubt that’ll happen on this one). Four out of every five cents charged will then go into the newly established Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Fund (with the remaining cent for the retailer, for their trouble).

“Under this new law, the simple steps we take every day will result in a healthier Anacostia River,” said Mayor Fenty in a statement today. “Disposable bags are a menace to our waterways, and dramatically cutting down on their use will have a measurable impact almost immediately.”

The District Department of the Environment, which will administer the fund, plans to launch a public education campaign in October about the new law and will distribute free reusable bags to people who need them.