Lawmakers revisit WAs plastic bag restrictions

Washington's upcoming increase in plastic bag fees to 12 cents per bag will take effect on January 1, 2026, following the 2020 law aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The law mandates that plastic bags must be 2. 25 mils thick and consist of 40% recycled content. A recent study from Washington State University indicated a 50% decrease in plastic bag use since the law's implementation, yet overall plastic consumption has risen by 17%. Retailers who exceed the thickness requirement face penalties that could raise the per-bag price to 16 cents.

Lawmakers plan to revisit the state's reusable bag policies to fine-tune the regulations. The legislation allows for single-use compostable bags without a fee, further complicating the landscape for retailers. Despite over 800 reported violations, no businesses have faced fines for non-compliance, highlighting a cooperative approach between retailers and Ecology staff. The financial burden on businesses remains significant, as the cost of producing plastic bags ranges from 10 to 39 cents each.