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In 2025, the Washington State Legislature passed HB 1293. This new bill updates the state's single-use plastic bag ban. These changes take effect January 1, 2026. |
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Plastic bags continue to be 2.25 mil thick through 2027. The state legislature delayed for two years the thickness increase required under the bag ban: Plastic film bags must continue have a minimum thickness of 2.25 mil until Jan. 1, 2028. HB 1293 delays the required thickness increase to 4 mil from January 1, 2026 to 2028.
12 cents for plastic, 8 cents for paper: Starting January 1, 2026, retailers and restaurants must collect a 12-cent charge for plastic film bags given to customers. The charge for paper bags will remain 8 cents. The increase in the plastic bag fee is unchanged from the original law, RCW 70A.530.020.
Additional 4-cent penalty to discourage plastic 4-mil bags: For retailers and restaurants that choose to distribute plastic bags that are 4 mil thick or greater, an additional 4-cent charge must be applied to the 12-cent charge to customers (16 cents total). This penalty will be in effect January 1, 2026, until December 31, 2027. Businesses that provide 4 mil thick bags must deposit the 4-cent penalty into the Washington State waste reduction, recycling and litter control account under RCW 70A.200.140. Businesses are discouraged from distributing unnecessarily thick plastic bags to avoid this penalty process and reduce waste.
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Why is there a two-year delay to increase the plastic bag thickness? |
The two-year delay will allow the legislature time to consider an upcoming report from the Washington State Department of Commerce that evaluates the single-use plastic bag ban. As required in RCW 70A.530.060, the report must include an assessment of bag thickness, pass-through charge, and recommendations for the single-use plastic bag ban. Delaying the dates may also minimize possible disruption to impacted businesses. (Once available, this newsletter will send a copy of the report to recipients.) |
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Why is there a new penalty for bags equal to or greater than 4-mil thick? |
As described in HB 1293, the legislature found that although thicker plastic bags may be more durable, initial research demonstrated that many customers still use them as single-use bags, and consequently contribute to more plastic waste and litter. The 4-cent penalty on bags that are equal to or greater than 4-mil thick may help reduce plastic waste by discouraging distribution of unnecessarily thick bags. |
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▶ Single-use plastic bags are prohibited.
▶ Plastic film carryout bag requirements:
- 12-cent fee beginning January 1, 2026
- Required to be at least 2.25 mil in thickness, have a minimum lifetime of one hundred twenty-five uses, be made of at least 40% post-consumer recycled plastic, and labeled as “reusable” with the plastic’s thickness and post-consumer recycled content. Plastic film bags must be sold for a minimum of 8 cents until December 31, 2025, and 12 cents starting January 1, 2026.
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▶ Paper carryout bag requirements: (No change)
- Carryout paper bags with capacity of 882 cubic inches or greater, must contain a minimum of 40% postconsumer recycled materials, non-wood renewable fiber, or a combination of both that totals at least 40%, and be labeled with the materials it’s made of. Paper bags must also be compostable. Paper bags must be sold for a minimum of 8 cents.
▶ Customers using food benefits such as SNAP, EBT, WIC, and TANF are exempt from the pass-through charge.
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▶ Avoid penalties, save money: Businesses are encouraged to reduce paper and plastic bags.
- Businesses can save money and reduce waste by avoiding paper and plastic bags by encouraging customers to switch to reusable alternatives. Consider posting “Bring Your Own Bag” or “Go Bag Free” signage to remind customers to bring bags from home.
▶ New flyers available!
- We've updated our bag ban flyers and resources to reflect changes in the law. Businesses should share these digitally or print and post copies to help inform staff and customers about the change.
▶ To request a list of known carryout bag distributors, email Carolyn.Bowie@ecy.wa.gov
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