New WA law increases penalties for litter, delays plastic bag requirements

Washington State's new law increases littering fines from $103 to $256, changing the infraction classification from class three to class two. Signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, the law also delays the requirement for retailers to offer thicker reusable plastic bags from January 2026 to 2028, giving lawmakers time to review the state's bag policies. Retailers who sell thicker bags before the new mandate will face a 4-cent penalty per bag. Rep.

Mark Klicker, the bill's sponsor, expressed concern over the state's litter issue, noting that despite a decrease in encounters with litterers by the Washington State Patrol, the amount of litter has not declined. The new law aims to promote accountability and reduce littering, which Klicker argues has become a significant problem. The 4-cent penalty for premature bag sales will be allocated to the Waste Reduction, Recycling and Litter Control Account. The price for paper bags will remain at 8 cents, while reusable plastic bags are currently sold for 8 cents, with an increase planned for 2026. This legislative move reflects ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns in the Evergreen State.