kei jackson explaining the reasons. >>> this sweeping bag tax in montgomery county prompts the question of whether other jurisdictions will do the same. they are quick and convenient. plastic bags are everywhere but often times they end up in places they shouldn't be like rivers, polluting the environment. >> i don't think it's surprising given how many of them we use. >> reporter: paper or plastic may be the question you are asked at the grocery store. but in montgomery county, customers are now paying more at all retail stores. >> our attempt is not to obtain revenue but get people to utilize more reusable bags. >> no one wants to pay more taxes but some we spoke with say they would beling to make the sacrifice if it meant cleaning up the environment. >> i think it's a great idea if it's going to eliminate bags. >> reporter: montgomery county estimates it will generate about 1 1/2 million dollars a year. >> the consumer pays it. it's a tax. >> 5-cents per bag, you said? that's a lot. >> reporter: left over from carry out, prescription drugs and bags at farmer's markets would all be ex