Statewide Plastic Bag Ban Going Into Effect

The Washington State Department of Ecology says its time to BYOB – Bring Your Own Bag, that is.

As of October 1, the statewide ban on plastic bags will finally go into effect, after initially being set for January 1st of this year.

The bag ban prohibits the distribution of single-use plastic carry-out bags by restaurants, retail, small vendor, and grocery stores.

Compliant plastic or paper bags will still be available, but a charge of 8-cents per bag, kept by the retailer, will be used to incentivize customers bringing their own reusable bags.

Food banks and pantries, and individuals receiving food stamps, WIC, SNAP, or other government assistance are not subject to the 8-cent charge.

Laurie Davies, manager of Ecology’s Solid Waste Management Program says reducing single-use plastice bags will protect our rivers and streams, and help our recycling system run more efficiently.