Bring your own Fee increase on store-bought bags in WA state effective Jan. 1

Washington state will increase the minimum charge for plastic film carryout bags to 12 cents on January 1, 2026, as part of a 2020 law designed to reduce plastic waste. The current fee of eight cents for plastic bags will rise, while paper bags will remain at the same minimum price. The law, enacted alongside a ban on thin, disposable plastic bags in 2021, mandates that reusable bags contain a minimum of 40% recycled content. Ecology's Peter Lyon stated that both paper and plastic bags have environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle and highlighted the benefits of using reusable bags. To help residents avoid additional costs, Ecology recommends storing reusable bags in accessible locations like cars and purses.

Businesses can access resources, including "BYOB" signs for their locations, to encourage customers to bring their own bags. Customers using food benefits such as WIC or SNAP will not be subject to bag fees, and food banks are exempt from these charges. For more information on the bag ban law, visit the Washington Department of Ecology's website.