Regarded as a “1st of its kind bag law in the US” by the National Conference of State Legislatures, The Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Act of 2009 requires District businesses that sell food or alcohol to charge a $0.05 fee on single-use bags to finance the Anacostia River Clean Up and Protection Fund. This special-purpose revenue fund, administered by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), is used to implement a variety of clean up and education projects throughout the Anacostia Watershed.
Ever wonder how the fee makes an impact? Since 2009, the Anacostia Fund has restored over 29,000 linear feet of streams city-wide. Most notably, DOEEs Alger Park Stream Restoration Project won the overall first place 2019 Chesapeake Bay Network’s Best Urban BMP in the Bay Award, for creating a natural, self-sustaining stream that prevents mass wasting and downstream and rain pollution, stopping severe erosion formerly faced by the Hillcrest community for decades.
Additional ongoing projects funded by the DC Bag Fee include the installation of 7 trash traps that have removed over 70,000 pounds of trash and debris from District waterbodies since 2009. These traps are passive devices, working 365 days a year using only the water’s natural current to collect litter before it can enter streams. The Anacostia Fund has also provided over 3000 shade trees and 2300 rain barrels to District property owners as part of the RiverSmart Homes program, helping reduce stormwater runoff while saving homeowners money.
With the Anacostia Fund also establishing the Anacostia River Explorers Program, DOEE has partnered with community organizations to provide free educational and recreational experiences on the Anacostia River for over 7500 people and counting. Residents of all ages who participate learn about the Anacostia River’s history, wildlife, environmental threats, and solutions to realize its full potential. These free, guided motorboat and canoe tours launch from a variety of locations up and down the Anacostia River, and are fully funded by the District’s Bag Fee.
In celebration of the Bag Fee creating education experiences on the Anacostia River, 5th Graders in the District have the chance to embark on the Overnight Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (OMWEE). This program offers a three-day, two-night overnight field study for students to learn about local watersheds and the natural environment. Funded in part by the Bag Fee, over 9700 5th Graders have participated in the OMWEE, building on District science education standards that are incorporated into these experiences.
For ten years, the Fund has generated over $19M from four revenue sources: disposable bag fees, enforcement revenue, proceeds from Anacostia River commemorative license plates, and voluntary tax contributions from District residents. A trash free city is a more green and equitable city where residents feel a connection and are inspired to come to the river. Sign up for a boat tour, explore environmental education opportunities and learn more about the purpose and impact of the bag law at doee.dc.gov/bags.
