Wash. state bans use of plastic bags, threatens penalties up to $250

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:13 PM PT – Saturday, October 2, 2021

Washington state banned the use of single use plastic bags. As of Friday, the measure prohibits single use plastic bags in all grocery and retail stores as well as restaurants or take out establishments with an exception made for food banks.

Gov. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) revoked an emergency proclamation, which pushed back the start of the plastic bag ban, on Thursday. The proclamation was issued due to reusable plastic bag shortages throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the new ban, businesses have been permitted to offer customers bags made from at least 40 percent recycled material at eight cents a piece. However, plastic produce bags would still be permitted for use.

Single-use plastic carryout bags are now banned in Washington.
Learn more at https://t.co/1iSgkC6bH7 #WAbagban #Plastic #plasticpollution @ecyspokane @EcologyWA pic.twitter.com/hDU7UNhPiz

— City of Spokane (@SpokaneCity) October 1, 2021

Although some exceptions apply, stores could face fines up to 250 dollars if they fail to meet the requirements. The Department of Ecology believes this measure will reduce contamination in recycling and compost systems.

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