Shoppers will no longer be charged for single-use plastic and paper bags at commissaries worldwide, the Defense Commissary Agency said on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. (Matthew Marcellus/U.S. Army)
Shoppers will no longer be charged for single-use plastic and paper bags at most commissaries worldwide, the Defense Commissary Agency said Wednesday.
The policy, which began April 6, has been rescinded, except at locations required to comply with applicable federal, state or local regulations, DECA said.
The fee had been set at 5 cents per plastic bag and 10 cents per paper bag, including for in-store purchases as well as curbside and delivery orders. The policy was intended to encourage shoppers to bring in their own reusable bags. Stores also sell reusable bags.
Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., said the reversal follows months of advocacy against the policy, including a letter to Anthony Tata, the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, and a direct conversation with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“I appreciate Secretary Hegseth for listening to my concerns and taking swift action to eliminate this fee,” Kiggans said in a statement. “Prioritizing affordability for our service members and their families is essential, and this decision is a meaningful win for those who serve. I will always fight to make life more affordable for hardworking military families.”
The policy did not apply in Guam, Hawaii, California and Washington, as these locations do not allow for the distribution of single-use plastic bags, the agency said.
The military’s 235 commissary stores are a benefit for service members, their families and specific veterans. Each is mandated to provide 23.7% average savings to shoppers, though in September 2022, a Pentagon memo called on the stores to push that to 25% savings.
In fiscal year 2025 customers’ average savings were 25.2%, according to the agency’s annual report.
Contributing: Stars and Stripes reporter Rose L. Thayer
