Frequently Asked Questions

Those considered “single-use” and “carry out” are prohibited. This includes all plastic bags less than 2.25 mils thick provided at check out or point of sale. Those not allowed are the typical plastic bags with handles constructed of thin plastic (less than 2.25 mils thick). Bags constructed of durable plastic (thicker than 2.25 mils) are considered reusable and are allowed.

All retail stores of any kind are prohibited from using lightweight plastic carryout bags, and they must charge customers 5 cents each for any large, grocery sized, carryout bags used.

Only one: food banks may use any type of bag. In fact, retailers with more plastic bags than they will use up before the plastic bag ban takes effect November 1 may want to donate them to a food bank. Helpline House 206-842-7621 has confirmed that they will appreciate any bags provided.

Ordinance 2012-06 specifically includes all these activities among the kinds of “retail establishments” where the use of lightweight plastic carryout bags is banned. Vendors at farmers’ markets may use small bags of any type for vegetables and meat and put these in a paper carryout bag or a customer’s reusable bag.

No. Stores (and vendors of all kinds including those at farmers’ markets) are required to charge only for larger bags such as typical grocery store carryout bags – technically a bag larger than 882 cubic inches, known as one-eighth barrel in the grocery trade. As a rule of thumb, if a bag has a flat bottom greater than 6 inches by 10 inches, you’ll need to charge for it.

No. The minimum 5 cent charge must be collected. It is meant to be a reminder to customers to shop with reusable bags, and for that reason the number of bags and total cost of recyclable paper bags sold must be shown on the customer’s sales slip. The city ordinance requires the charge for all large bags at all stores to ensure a level playing field level among retailers. The law says: “It shall be a violation of this section for any retail establishment to pay [for] or otherwise reimburse a customer for any portion of the pass-through charge.”

No, there are no requirements. This decision is up to the business.

Stores are not required to charge for smaller paper bags but they may at their discretion.

Many low-income customers are exempt from the charge. Specifically, no retail store at any time may charge the 5-cent pass-through fee for large recyclable paper bags to customers having vouchers or electronic benefits cards issued under the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) support programs, or the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly "Food Stamps," also known as Basic Food), or the Washington State Food Assistance Program (FAP).

That’s not required by the city ordinance and the city will not audit stores. However, the 5 cent charge on large paper bags must be shown on the customer’s sales slip.

Yes. The Washington State Department of Revenue has confirmed that the 5 cent pass-through charge is subject to sales tax; retail stores are selling the bags.

The only requirement is that larger paper bags – the ones for which a 5 cent charges is required – state that they contain a minimum 40% recycled content.

No.

The large bags must contain 40% post-consumer recycled fiber content.

No. It applies only to the large bags for which the 5 cent charge is required. There is no post-consumer recycled content requirement for smaller bags, but the city encourages retailers to use recycled-content paper bags.

The thicker, stronger plastic bags – those more than 2.25 mils thick – have special uses for which paper is not a good option or not readily available; for example, very large bags for bedding and other bulky household items.

No, retailers do not have to charge for the 2.25 mil and thicker bags permitted by the law.

Dry cleaner bags are exempt and garment bags provided by retailers would fall under this exemption.

No, plastic bags that are allowed are not required to have recycled content, though the city encourages the use of recycled content products whenever possible.

No. If the items being purchased are not prepared food which can leak or be spilled (i.e., cook books, t-shirts, bottled salad dressing, etc.), lightweight single-use plastic carryout bags may not be used.

Yes, prepared on-site foods such as roasted chicken and soups can be placed in protective plastic bags at the deli counter as needed to prevent leaks or spills.

Bags of any kind may be used for individual bakery goods, loaves of bread and other pastries. They are exempt as “in-store” packaging like vegetable and bulk food bags, bags for meat, ice cream, and flowers where moisture would be a problem.

The city has always taken an educational approach regarding regulations. If citizens call and complain, the city will send outreach staff to talk to the retailers about the law and explain what’s needed to comply. If it becomes clear a retailer is intentionally not complying they may be fined.