WA plastic bag ban reduced bag use, but increased plastic use

The Brief

A new report suggests Washington's 8-cent fee for reusable plastic bags doesn't cover production costs and may worsen environmental impact.

Despite the 2021 ban reducing bag usage by half, overall plastic use increased by 17%, prompting lawmakers to consider higher fees.

The Department of Commerce has yet to comment on the study's recommendations due to other pressing issues.

SEATTLE, Wash. - Washington’s plastic bag ban has been in effect for several years, but a new report from Washington State University and the Department of Commerce suggests the 8-cent fee for "reusable" plastic bags isn’t covering the real cost — and the environmental impact may be even greater.

What they're saying:

James Hardy, who works for Seattle Surface Cleaners, says no matter the ban or fee