Washington Bag Ban Begins

(Tri-Cities, WA)--Washington’s new ban on single-use plastic bags goes into effect today. The state’s long term goal is to drastically reduce the amount of unrecyclable plastic in landfills and waterways. Under the new rules, businesses are prohibited from providing single-use plastic bags—though paper and more durable plastic bags are still permitted.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own canvas or tote bags and containers with them when they go out to stores or restaurants. However, many retailers will begin selling approved bags designed to be more reusable. They are considered a taxable sales item and will be sold for at least 8 cents apiece. Whether the bag is paper or plastic will depend on the seller.

There are limited exceptions to the bag fee: There is no fee for the small plastic bags used for collection of produce goods, meat, or bulk foods. Those paying with benefits programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Washington state Food Assistance Program are the only shoppers excluded from the fee structure.

The only exempted “retailers” are food banks or similar support organizations.

So, what does all this mean for the average shopper?

Generally speaking, you don’t have a whole lot to worry about if you bring your own bags. Most places will not care what type of bags you bring in with you to reuse, and some may even continue providing single-use plastic bags until their current inventory runs out. If you do have to buy a bag, businesses may have canvas totes and either paper or heavy-duty plastic bags available for purchase.

Certain municipalities like Seattle and Tacoma have already banned single-use plastic within their jurisdictions. Residents there will operate the same as they have been since those measures were implemented locally.

Learn more at ecology.wa.gov/bagban.