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Statewide Plastic Bag Ban begins Oct. 1st

State law requires businesses to charge at least eight cents per paper bag. The ban on single-use plastic bags was originally set to take effect on January 1, 2021. However, concerns about a limited supply of bags that complied with the ban led Gov. Jay Inslee to delay implementation. The new date for the ban to begin is October 1, 2021. A recent news release from the Department of Ecology explains.

What Does This Mean for You?

Residents

Think ahead. Get in good habits now. Dig out those reusable cloth bags and store them in your trunk, purse or backpack. Begin bringing your own bags to the store, restaurant or market.

Expect to pay a minimum fee to businesses for each reusable bag if you forget. Businesses may start charging before Oct. 1.

Perhaps you only bought a few items. Skip the bag and carry them out in your arms. A few simple changes and new habits are built.

Businesses

Prepare with a supply of compliant bags and begin charging the minimum fee by Oct. 1st.

Educate yourself, staff and your customers on what's accepted for use.

The Department of Ecology has developed customizable tools, available in 17 languages, to assist restaurants and retailers. The toolkit includes flyers, Bring-Your-Own-Bag and point-of-sale signage, and web graphics. These tools can help you get the message out to your customers.

Questions? Contact the Dept. of Ecology

360.407.6000 | BagBan@ecy.wa.gov | Ecology.wa.gov/Bag-Ban