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Lawmakers hear implementation updates and industry, recycling and environmental perspectives on Washington's carryout-bag law
Summary
Committee received an overview of Washington's carryout-bag law and its scheduled changes, enforcement status and fiscal effects, followed by industry, recycler and environmental testimony about bag thickness, fees, recycling and public behavior.
The House Environment & Energy Committee heard updates and competing perspectives on Washington's statewide carryout-bag law, including enforcement practice, revenue effects and supply-chain and recycling implications as the state prepares a scheduled fee increase and pending changes to the types of bags that can be provided.
Jacob Blips and Tracy Taylor briefed the committee on the statutory scheme: the state law restricts single‑use thin plastic bags and requires retail establishments to charge customers a pass‑through fee for paper and reusable plastic film bags. The fee is currently 8¢; the Legislature previously scheduled an increase to 12¢ for plastic reusable bags to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and the Legislature left that increase intact last session. The scheduled increase in the minimum thickness requirement for plastic reusable bags was delayed: the…
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