Statewide Plastic Bag Ban Starts January 1
Responding to growing plastic bag pollution, the Washington State Legislature passed a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2020.
Plastic bags are a major contaminant in Washington’s recycling facilities, waterways, roadways, and environment. Washington's Plastic Bag Ban will reduce pollution by prohibiting single-use plastic carryout bags and charging a fee for acceptable bags in business establishments beginning in 2021.
Starting January 1, 2021, this new law bans single-use plastic bags to reduce marine plastic pollution, litter, and waste. The law will:
- Reduce contamination in commingled recycling and compost systems.
- Promote reuse and recycled content.
- Build consistency in policy and enforcement across the state.
- Support the recycled paper manufacturing industry.
Bring Your Own Bag
Customers are encouraged to bring and reuse their own bags when they shop. Some businesses may require customers to bag their own groceries in reusable bags. Customers should clean and disinfect their hands and reusable bags frequently.
What kind of bags are banned?
Any single-use, plastic carry-out bag provided at delivery, check stand, cash register, point of sale, or other point of departure to a customer.
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Who does the ban apply to?
- All retail, grocery, and convenience stores
- Any restaurant or establishment offering take-out or delivery food or goods
- Temporary stores or vendors
- Any event where food or goods are sold or distributed
 Restaurants and Retailers
Local cities and Kitsap County passed or revised their own local reusable bag ordinances over the past two years. During the pandemic, enforcement in many areas was lifted. However, all affected businesses should follow the statewide ban starting January 1, 2021.
Affected Businesses
- Applies to restaurants, grocery, retail and convenience stores, farmers markets, food trucks, temporary stores, and home delivery services.
- Food banks and food assistance programs are exempt. However, they are encouraged to reduce the use of single-use plastic carryout bags.
Charging the Minimum Fee
- Stores must charge a minimum of 8 cents for large paper and reusable plastic carryout bags. Businesses collect and keep this fee to recover some of their cost for providing the bags.
- The carryout bag charge is a taxable retail sale.
- Fee may not be collected from anyone using a voucher or electronic benefits card issued under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Food Assistance Program (FAP).
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