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.
Seattle passed its plastic carryout bag ban under Seattle Municipal Code 21.36.082 effective July 1, 2012, requiring retailers to charge 5 cents per paper bag (raised to 8 cents in 2021). Washington State HB 1205 (signed 2020, enforcement October 1, 2021) preempted city rules with a uniform statewide framework: single-use plastic carryout bags banned, 8-cent minimum charge on paper bags and reusable bags, and a 2.25-mil minimum thickness for any plastic bag still sold as "reusable." Bags for produce, meat, prescriptions, hot prepared takeout, and dry cleaning remain exempt. Washington's law is one of the strictest in the country and applies uniformly from Seattle to small towns.
Washington Department of Ecology can fine retailers up to $250 per violation under RCW 70A.530. Seattle Public Utilities handles local outreach and complaints (206-684-3000). Repeat violators may receive escalating administrative penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Seattle, WA
Seattle short-term rental guests must comply with Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.08 (Noise Control), which sets a 55 dBA daytime limit and a 45 dBA nightt...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code regulates outdoor lighting through zoning standards in §23.45 (residential) and §23.47A (commercial). Fully-shielded fixtures are requ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 does not impose a dedicated off-street parking requirement on short-term rentals, and SMC 23.42.060 (Land Use Code) does...
Seattle, WA
Seattle enforces the federal Tobacco 21 minimum age and Washington RCW 70.345 (effective Jan 2020), prohibiting all tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600 limits a short-term rental operator to a maximum of two dwelling units citywide: the operator's primary residence (where...
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
See how Seattle'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.