October 1 = Bring Your Own Bags (or Pay)
Long in the works, and delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Washington State ban on single-use plastic bags is here. Studies indicate those in Washington State were using over 2 billion single-use bags per year, and this legislation is to reduce that impact on our environment.
So, what kind of bags will you be charged for, and how much will they cost?
You’ll pay at least eight cents for large paper bags, such as the handled kind that have already replaced plastic at some grocery stores, and thicker, reusable plastic bags. In both instances, these bags must meet a threshold of post-consumer recycled content. (Compostable bags are permitted, but retailers can choose whether to charge the customer.) Oh, and YES, if you pick up food to go from a restaurant, those single use bags are also part of this law.
What about produce bags?
Exempted from the fee structure are plastic produce bags, often used for bulk food or to cover meat packaging, and small paper bags like lunch sacks.
What About Your Own Bags?
These are free to use, so dust off your favorite cloth bags or totes, and remember to bring them in the store with you! Maybe this is a great project for those who love to sew? |