Plastic straws are not banned outright in Washington but, under RCW 70A.245, food service businesses can only provide them when a customer specifically asks. Seattle has a stricter rule prohibiting plastic straws entirely except where required for accessibility.
The state on-request rule covers plastic straws alongside utensils, cup lids, condiment packets, and stirrers as of January 1, 2022. Within Seattle, a stricter foodware ordinance under SMC 21.36 prohibits plastic straws altogether, requiring compostable or paper alternatives, with a federal disability accommodation exception. King County cities outside Seattle generally follow the state baseline. Operators must train staff to ask before adding straws and ensure self-serve dispensers are not used for plastic straws under most local rules.
Failing to comply triggers state Department of Ecology penalties up to 250 dollars per day and, in Seattle, Public Utilities citations and possible escalation by Seattle Public Health partners.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Renton, WA
Industrial noise in Renton including Boeing and Cedar River industry is limited to 70 dBA industrial, 60 dBA at residential day, 50 dBA at residential night ...
Renton, WA
Amplified music plainly audible beyond property lines during quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM weekdays, 10 PM-9 AM weekends) violates Renton RMC 8-7, with police resp...
Renton, WA
Aircraft noise from Renton Municipal Airport is regulated by the FAA under federal preemption; Renton runs an FAA Part 150 program and voluntary pilot noise ...
Renton, WA
Persistent dog barking disturbing neighbors is prohibited in Renton under RMC 6-6, with Regional Animal Services of King County issuing citations for habitua...
Renton, WA
Commercial construction in Renton is allowed weekdays 7 AM to 8 PM and Saturdays 9 AM to 8 PM, with no work permitted on Sundays or holidays under RMC 4-4-03...
Renton, WA
Under RCW 46.55 and Renton Municipal Code Title 10, vehicles parked more than 72 hours, unlicensed, or inoperable can be marked and impounded. Abandoned vehi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how Renton's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
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