OLYMPIA, Wash. — Shoppers in Washington state will soon pay more for disposable bags at stores as part of an ongoing statewide effort to reduce plastic waste.

Beginning Jan. 1, retailers will be required to charge 12 cents for paper or plastic bags, up from the current 8-cent fee. The law, originally implemented in 2021, is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and encouraging the use of reusable bags.

The increase will remain in effect through the end of 2027, when the fee is scheduled to rise by an additional four cents. State officials said the policy is designed to reduce single-use plastics and cut down on waste entering landfills and waterways.

The Department of Ecology encourages shoppers to bring their own reusable bags to avoid the fee.

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