How Spokane Handles Single-Use Items: A Practical Guide

Spokane maintains 198 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with single-use items. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Spokane falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Utensils-On-Request

Washington's RCW 70A.500 requires food service businesses in Spokane to provide single-use utensils, straws, lids, and condiment packets only when customers request them, reducing waste from automatic distribution.

Key details: Statute: RCW 70A.500. Items covered: Utensils, straws, lids, condiments. Trigger: Customer must request. ADA exemption: Yes, on request.

Repeated violations after Department of Ecology warning can mean fines up to $250 per day under the same enforcement framework as the bag ban.

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Washington's RCW 70A.245 phased out expanded polystyrene foam food containers, coolers, and packing peanuts statewide by 2024, applying in Spokane without a separate local ordinance.

Key details: Statute: RCW 70A.245. Foam food ware banned: June 2024. Coolers and peanuts banned: June 2023. Local override: None in Spokane.

Selling, distributing, or serving food in banned foam products can mean Department of Ecology warnings, then escalating fines under the statewide enforcement framework.

Compared to other cities, Spokane takes a harder line on polystyrene foam rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Plastic Bag Rules

Spokane follows Washington's statewide ban on thin single-use plastic carryout bags under RCW 70A.530, with an eight-cent pass-through charge on paper and reusable bags provided at checkout.

Key details: Statute: RCW 70A.530. Pass-through fee: 8 cents per bag. Fee waived for: SNAP, WIC, TANF. Local override: None in Spokane.

Stores giving banned bags or failing to charge the fee can be fined up to $250 per day per location by the Department of Ecology under RCW 70A.530.

This is one of the stricter rules in Spokane's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Spokane is tougher than many cities when it comes to single-use items. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Spokane, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Spokane's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.