Washington RCW 70A.550 limits single-use food service ware including plastic straws and utensils to upon-request distribution at restaurants and food service businesses.
Under RCW 70A.550, effective January 1, 2022, food service businesses in Washington may only provide single-use plastic straws, utensils, condiment packets, and beverage cup lids upon customer request. Self-service stations and proactive distribution are prohibited. The law applies to dine-in, takeout, drive-through, and delivery operations. Drive-through services may include a default ask whether items are needed. The intent is to reduce unnecessary single-use plastic waste while accommodating customers who genuinely need such items, including individuals with disabilities for whom plastic straws may be medically necessary. Department of Ecology administers and enforces the law. Local jurisdictions may impose stricter requirements.
Civil penalties up to $250 for first violations and $500 for subsequent violations apply. Department of Ecology emphasizes education and warnings before financial penalties.
Edmonds, WA
Edmonds does not have a local airport. The nearest commercial airports are Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA, ~30 miles south) and Paine Field (PAE, ~10 mile...
Edmonds, WA
Persistent barking dog complaints are handled under ECC Β§5.30.130 (public disturbance noises) and ECC Ch. 5.05 (animal control). During nighttime hours, call...
Edmonds, WA
Construction noise is exempt from Edmonds noise limits under ECC Β§5.30.110 on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ...
Edmonds, WA
Edmonds noise rules are governed by ECC Ch. 5.30, which adopts the WAC 173-60 Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) framework. Residential mai...
Edmonds, WA
Abandoned vehicle removal is regulated under ECC Ch. 8.48 and RCW 46.55. Vehicles left on public or private property without permission for more than 24 hour...
Edmonds, WA
Under ECC Β§8.50.120, vehicles may not remain lawfully parked on a public street for more than 72 hours. Moving and re-parking a vehicle within the same block...
See how Edmonds's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.