Plastic Bag Rules: Bellevue vs Seattle
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA?
Bellevue has fewer restrictions than Seattle.
Bellevue, WA
King County
Washington's statewide plastic carryout bag ban under RCW 70A.530 took effect in 2021 and applies countywide. Stores cannot give thin plastic carryout bags. Reusable bags and recycled-content paper bags meeting state standards are allowed and must be sold for at least eight cents each.
View full Bellevue rules →Seattle, WA
King County
Seattle banned single-use plastic carryout bags in July 2012 — one of the first major US cities. Washington State then preempted with a statewide ban effective October 1, 2021 (HB 1205). Retailers must charge 8 cents per recycled-content paper bag or reusable bag. Bags must be 2.25 mils thick to qualify as reusable.
View full Seattle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellevue | Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | RCW 70A.530 | - |
| Effective | October 1, 2021 | - |
| Bag fee | 8 cents minimum | - |
| Reusable plastic | 2.25 mil minimum | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellevue FAQ
Are produce bags banned too?
No. Thin plastic bags used for bulk items, produce, meat, or prescriptions are exempt because they are not point-of-sale carryout bags.
Do I have to pay the fee with food stamps?
No. Customers paying with SNAP, WIC, or TANF benefits are exempt from the eight cent paper bag charge under state law.
Seattle FAQ
Are plastic bags banned in Seattle?
Yes. Seattle banned single-use plastic carryout bags in 2012, and Washington State extended the ban statewide effective October 1, 2021.
How much is the paper bag fee?
Retailers must charge at least 8 cents per recycled-content paper bag or thicker reusable bag. The fee goes to the retailer, not the state. SNAP/WIC customers are exempt.
Do restaurants charge for takeout bags?
No. Bags used for hot prepared food from restaurants are exempt from both the ban and the 8-cent fee under Washington state law.
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