Washington retailers and restaurants will see an adjustment to bag fees beginning January 1, 2026. Under state law, the minimum customer charge for plastic film bags will increase to 12 cents. The minimum charge for paper bags will remain 8 cents. These fees apply when customers choose to purchase a bag at checkout and are treated as taxable retail sales that stay with the business. Customers using food assistance programs are exempt, and food banks are not required to charge fees.
The intent of the single use bag law is to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. The Department of Ecology recommends keeping reusable bags in convenient places such as cars, backpacks, or purses. Businesses can help by posting reminders or offering used boxes as an alternative. Printable Bring Your Own Bag materials are available on Ecology’s bag ban webpage.
The Department of Commerce has released a new evaluative report on the state’s bag policy, available on its Legislative Reports webpage. Washington’s upcoming legislative session may include discussions related to recycling and waste reduction. More resources and translated materials on the bag requirements can be found on Ecology’s bag ban webpage along with contact information for additional assistance.
