Tukwila Public Hearing: Retail Bag Regulation

The City Council is considering legislation that would regulate carryout bags at retail stores. Plastic bags can block storm drains, litter the streets, pollute waterways, clog recycling facilities, contaminate compost, threaten wildlife, and more.  Paper bags, while an improvement, require resources and fuel to manufacture and transport. Over 33 cities and counties in Washington State have adopted similar legislation.
 
The City Council is holding a public hearing and would like to hear from YOU.  The Public Hearing will be held on November 12, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber at 6200 Southcenter Boulevard.   Written comments are also accepted at citycouncil@tukwilawa.gov.
 
Under the proposal:

• All Tukwila retail stores would be prohibited from providing customers with single-use plastic carryout bags.
• Retail stores in Tukwila could provide customers with any size recyclable paper or reusable carryout bags, however stores must charge a small pass-through fee for paper bags of 1/8 barrel (882 cubic inches) or larger containing at least 40% post-consumer recycled fiber, or for plastic film bags 2.25 mils or more thick.
• Retail stores could provide smaller paper bags or non-film reusable bags for a fee or no cost at their discretion.
• Customers using state or federal food assistance programs would not have to pay the pass-through fee.
• Plastic bags used for bulk items or to protect vegetables, meat, fish and poultry, frozen foods, flowers, deli foods, or other items where moisture is a problem would still be allowed.
• Dry-cleaner, newspaper and door-hanger bags and plastic bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for waste would still be allowed.
• If the City Council adopts this legislation, the City Council would pick an effective date 6-12 months out to allow retailers and customers time to prepare and for the city to assist businesses with educational material.