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
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
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Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
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