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.
RCW 70A.530, signed in 2020 and implemented statewide on October 1, 2021, prohibits retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags. Allowed alternatives include thicker reusable plastic bags of at least 2.25 mils with handles and recycled-content paper bags. Retailers must charge at least eight cents per bag, retain the fee, and itemize it on receipts. The law preempted King County's earlier local ban and Seattle's prior ordinance. WA Department of Ecology enforces compliance, with first warnings before civil penalties up to 250 dollars per day.
Providing prohibited thin plastic bags or failing to charge the eight cent fee can result in Department of Ecology warnings followed by civil penalties up to 250 dollars per violation per day.
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, fences 6 feet or less in height may be built on or within property lines without a building permit. Fences over 6 feet require...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County's marine shoreline along Puget Sound and Vashon-Maury Island is regulated under the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58), the King...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, an above-ground pool that can hold water more than 24 inches deep is regulated as a swimming pool under the Washington State R...
King County, WA
In unincorporated King County, a one-story detached storage shed of 200 square feet or less, accessory to a residential or agricultural use, is exempt from a...
King County, WA
Unincorporated King County requires private swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet high under K.C.C. 16.70.020, with self-closing/self...
King County, WA
King County Ordinance 18467 (2017) limits county cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and Washington's Keep Washington Working Act (RCW 10.93.16...
See how King County's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.