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Single-Use Items in Tacoma, WA (2026)

3 verified single-use items rules for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Plastic Bag Rules

Tacoma follows the statewide RCW 70A.530 ban on thin single-use plastic carryout bags. Retailers must charge an eight-cent pass-through fee on permitted reusable plastic or recycled-paper carryout bags supplied at checkout.

Washington Statewide Plastic Bag Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Polystyrene Foam Rules

Tacoma food-service businesses cannot sell or distribute expanded polystyrene foam foodware, packing peanuts, or coolers under RCW 70A.245. The statewide ban took effect in 2024, replacing prior local foam restrictions.

Washington Expanded Polystyrene Foodware Ban

Heavy Restrictions

Utensils-On-Request

Under RCW 70A.245, Tacoma food-service businesses may provide single-use utensils, straws, condiment packets, cup lids, and similar accessories only when the customer requests them or affirmatively chooses them through self-service.

Washington Foodware Accessories On Request

Some Restrictions

Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tacoma city rules.

Single-Use Items in Pierce County