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Lawmakers debate tougher carryout-bag rules and higher paper-bag fees
Summary
HB 22-33 would ban reusable film plastic carryout bags, raise the paper bag pass-through charge to 20¢ and expand manufacturer/distributor requirements; environmental groups supported a ban while retailers and grocers warned about supply, cost and operational impacts.
The committee heard extensive testimony on HB 22-33, a proposal to strengthen Washington's carryout bag law by prohibiting reusable film plastic carryout bags, increasing the paper bag pass-through charge to 20¢, and extending certain requirements and penalties to manufacturers and distributors.
Staff summarized the bill's changes and timing (most provisions effective January 1, 2028), explained the delayed thickness standard under current law, and noted that pass-through charges are retained by retailers and are exempt for customers using state benefit cards.
Proponents—including Surfrider Foundation, Seattle Aquarium, civic groups and composters—argued the measure would reduce plastic litter, microplastic formation and harm to marine life. Jeremy Lucas of Oceana and others cited large volumes of plastic entering oceans and supported a full film-bag prohibition. Miguel Marzoff from the Seattle Aquarium told the committee that "Washingtonians use an estimated 2,000,000,000 plastic bags every year" and urged stronger restrictions.
Opponents and those urging delay included the Washington Retail Association, grocery associations, the American Forest & Paper Association and some manufacturers. Their concerns centered on the proposed steep increase in the paper-bag fee (from 8¢ to 20¢), potential short-term paper supply constraints, effects on consumer affordability, front-line retail operations that could face more friction at checkout, and food-safety or takeout logistics for restaurants and delivery services.
Retail and grocery representatives also asked the committee to observe the effects of the recent increase to 12¢ and to consider additional study before a full ban. Local governments, composters and some grocers testified in support, citing contamination impacts on recycling and composting streams.
The committee closed the hearing on HB 22-33 and related drafts for the day; staff noted a related bill (HB 22-84) would remove the scheduled thickness increase and create a litter solutions task force with reports due in 2027. No votes were taken.
