New laws restrict the use of plastic carryout bags

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New plastic bag laws restrict use of plastic carryout bags in unincorporated Kitsap, Bremerton, and Port Orchard

The laws will go into effect on January 1, 2020

On Monday, August 12, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners passed a "plastic bag ban." This law prohibits retailers in unincorporated areas from providing thin plastic carryout bags to customers. It also requires that retailers charge 8 cents per bag for paper bags or thicker plastic bags. 

Two cities in Kitsap County also passed similar bag bans. City of Bremerton's ordinance was adopted on June 5, 2019 and the City of Port Orchard's ordinance was adopted on August 20, 2019. All three laws will go into full effect on January 1, 2020.

City of Poulsbo, the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, and the Suquamish Tribe do not have plastic bag ordinances. The ordinances do not apply to retailers on Naval installations

The City of Bainbridge Island has banned plastic bags since 2012. Neighboring Gig Harbor's ban started on June 18, 2019. There are now 32 jurisdictions in Washington with plastic bag laws.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to the paper bag charge?

Retailers will keep this "pass-through" charge to help cover the cost of providing bags. If they choose, retailers may charge more than 8 cents per bag. If a customer chooses to buy a bag, they will see "bag" listed on their receipt along with their other purchases. Paper bags must contain at least 40% recycled content.

Why is there a charge for paper bags?

The 8 cent charge is in place to encourage people to choose reusable bags. Although paper bags don't lead to plastic waste, they are resource-intensive to produce. Switching to paper bags is not preferred.

The 8 cent charge also creates an even playing field for all businesses, regardless of size. Large retailers can often negotiate bulk discounts from their bag suppliers. Without the charge, small retailers (who pay a higher price per bag) would have a disadvantage. The Northwest Grocery Association and the Washington Food Industry Association support these ordinances.

What stores are affected?

All retail stores and home delivery services within unincorporated Kitsap County, City of Bremerton, and City of Port Orchard, including grocery stores; corner and convenience stores; pharmacies; department stores; home improvement stores; clothing stores; farmers markets; food and catering trucks; fair, event, and festival vendors; and all other establishments that sell goods.

How can I remember to bring my reusable bags?

Get in the habit of placing your phone, wallet, keys, or purse on top of your reusable bags so you don't forget to bring them back to your vehicle or into the store.

What's the goal of these laws?

The goal is to reduce waste, prevent litter, and reduce contamination in the recycling system. Kitsap County uses 87 million plastic bags every year but only 12% are recycled in bag drop-off binsBags are one of the top ten littered items along Washington's roads. When bags enter marine environments, they break into small pieces that are ingested by marine animals and humans. Bags are not accepted in curbside recycling because they tangle in sorting equipment.

How can I line my trash can and pick up pet waste?

Reuse bags that come with common food and household items, like chip, bread, or cereal bags. Other plastic bags that are exempt from this law include plastic bags used for packaging meat, seafood, produce, bulk items, frozen foods, newspaper, tires, flowers, laundry, and dry cleaning; food storage baggies, garbage bags, pet waste bags, yard waste bags, and door-hangers.

Learn More About the Ordinances

Kitsap bag guidelines

Need a reusable bag? Get one from us!

Reusable shopping bags are convenient to use (once you form the habit) and better for the environment.

Get a bag at our booth in the Kitsap Sun Pavilion at the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede or stop by any Kitsap Regional Library to get one from the front desk.

Bags are available as supplies last. One per person, please.

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