Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a scheduled 4-cent increase in the price for plastic film carryout bags at Washington restaurants and retailers will take effect and raise their minimum cost to 12 cents per bag from the current 8 cents.
The increase is part of a 2020 law meant to encourage shoppers to bring their own carryout bags, a news release from the state Department of Ecology stated. The minimum charge for a paper carryout bag will remain at 8 cents.
Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban was implemented in 2021 and prohibits thin, .5 mil disposable plastic bags. The law sets standards for thicker, 2.25 mil reusable plastic film bags and requires plastic and paper carryout bags to contain a minimum 40% recycled content.
“Paper and plastic carryout bags impact the environment at every stage of their production, transportation, and disposal,” said Peter Lyon, manager of Ecology’s Solid Waste Management Program. “Bringing your own bag is the easiest way to avoid the charge, reduce emissions, preserve resources and prevent bags from becoming litter.”
To avoid the additional cost of carryout bags, Ecology recommends people store reusable bags in their cars, backpacks, purses and other handy places where they can be easily retrieved when needed.
Resources designed to help businesses remind customers to bring their own bags are available on Ecology’s bag ban webpage, including printable “BYOB” signs and posters that can be hung in parking lots, on windows and at checkout counters.
Visit ecology.wa.gov/bag-ban for more information. Contact bagban@ecy.wa.gov with questions or requests for technical assistance.
