Bring your own bag – avoid Washington’s fee increase in 2026 on store-bought bags

OLYMPIA – Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Washington’s minimum fee for each reusable plastic bag purchased from retailers and restaurants will rise from 8 to 12 cents to encourage reusable bag use. Paper bags will remain at 8 cents.

The 2020 law targets environmental impact by requiring recycled content and banning thin plastic.

Customers using food benefits are not subject to bag fees.

Officials suggest keeping reusable bags handy to avoid the mandatory reusable plastic bag fees.

Photo of reusable bag via Washington State Department of Ecology

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Elkhorn Media Group