HomeMy WebLinkAboutUtilities 2015-09-15 Item 2A - Discussion - Plastic Bag BansCity of Tukwila
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Haggerton
Utilities Committee
FROM: Nandina Cengic, Intern
DATE: September 11, 2015
SUBJECT: Plastic Bag Bans Across Washington State
ISSUE
As a 2015 work plan item, the Utilities Committee requested information on plastic bag bans.
This information has been compiled to provide the Committee an overview of current laws in our
state.
DISCUSSION
The compiled information provides an overview of current laws regarding plastic bag bans
across Washington State. While there is currently no council direction to pursue a bag ban in
Tukwila, this information can be periodically updated and reviewed if the Committee desires.
The main concern surrounding plastic bags is their environmental impact. To start, plastic bags
pose a large threat to wildlife, especially sea creatures who often die as a result of inhaling or
being trapped by plastic bags. In addition, the bags aren't easy to recycle and it takes years for
the bags to break down when properly disposed of. However, the fact remains that most times
the bags are not properly disposed of and as a result, they block drains, don't break down in
landfills or oceans, and add to demand for oil. Research has shown that a car could drive about
11 meters on the amount of gas needed to make a single plastic bag. While this may not sound
like a significant amount, picture the destructive impact millions of bags have. Simply put, the
plastic bags have long term detrimental effects on ourselves, wildlife and the environment.
Some cities have responded to the environmental impacts of single -use plastic bags by
enacting legislation to limit their use. So far in Washington State, 11 cities have enacted this
legislation, which in most cases bans the use of all plastic bags in retail stores and allows
customers to either purchase a paper bag for five cents or use a reusable bag they brought from
home or bought from the store.
RECOMMENDATION
Information only.
ATTACHMENTS
Plastic Bag Bans Chart
Effective Date
City
2013
Pop.
Statute
Exemptions
Notes
November 2010
Edmonds
40,727
Er ViC 6,8£0 Bans plastic at all retail
Mayor can exempt for
undue hardship.
First city in the state, 5 -1 Council vote.
establishments.
July 2012
Seattle
65,2405
SMC 21,36,100 Bans plastic at all
Thick plastic bags used by
clothing stores are okay, as
well as produce /meat bags,
bulk foods, dry cleaning,
take -out paper bags, door
hanger and newspaper.
Imposes a $250 fine for violations
Seattle retail stores.
August 2012
Bellingham
82,631
WC 6,47 Bans retail
Single -use plastic bags may
be distributed to customers
by food providers for the
purpose of safeguarding
public health and safety
during transportation of
prepared take -out foods.
Fine of no more than $250 for violation.
"No person shall distribute a single -use plastic carryout bag
at any city facility, city- managed concession, city sponsored
event, or city permitted event unless otherwise permitted
pursuant to BMC"
establishments from providing
plastic bag.
November 2012
Port Townsend
9,210
PflV C 6,26 Bans plastic at all retail
City manager can exempt a
retail or wholesale
establishment for up to one-
year for undue hardship.
7th city in Washington to pass bag ban
Unanimous vote
Same language as Bainbridge Island
and wholesale establishments.
November 2012
Bainbridge Island
23,196
BliViC 13,28,2£0£0 Bans plastic at all
Same language as Port Townsend
Unanimous vote
retail and wholesale
establishments.
January 2013
Mukilteo
20,860
IVIVC 8,22 Bans plastic at all retail
Mayor can exempt for
undue hardship.
and wholesale establishments.
March 2013
Issaquah
33,566
?MC 8,05 Bans plastic at all retail
Proposition 1 to overturn the law, rejected 52% in February
2014.
Any person who violates shall be cited and liable for a civil
infraction
Phase -in: Large retailers affected March 2013; small
and wholesale establishments.
N
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retailers affected July 2014.
February 2014
Shoreline
54,790
SIV'C 9,25 Bans plastic at all retail
Plastic bags for bulk items,
vegetables, fish, meat, etc.
are exempt.
Shoreline modeled its ban after Seattle's.
5 -1 Council Vote
$250 fine for violations
and wholesale establishments.
July 2014
Lacey
44,919
L_`C 8,06 Bans plastic at all retail
Plastic bags for bulk items,
vegetables, fish, meat, etc.
are exempt.
Lacey adopted the language of Thurston County's ban.
4 -3 Council Vote.
and wholesale establishments.
July 2014
Olympia
48338
OMC 8,26 Bans plastic at all retail
Plastic bags for bulk items,
vegetables, fish, meat, etc.
are exempt.
Olympia adopted the language of the Thurston County ban.
Unanimous vote.
and wholesale establishments.
July 2014
Thurston County
135123
TCff_ 8,26 Bans plastic at all retail
Director of Thurston County Public Works shall evaluate: (a)
financial impact to retail establishments (b) effectiveness of
ordinance in reducing number of single -use carryout bags
(c) effectiveness of ordinance compared to other
jurisdictions efforts (d) waste - and - litter- reduction benefits
to the county program.
and wholesale establishments.
July 2014
Tumwater
18511
TMC 8,14 Bans plastic at all retail
Plastic bags for bulk items,
vegetables, fish, meat, etc.
are exempt.
Tumwater adopted the language of Thurston County's ban.
and wholesale establishments.
April 2014
Mercer Island
24098
M?MC 8,45 Bans plastic at all retail
Food banks and food
assistance programs are
exempt
City Council elected not to impose a mandatory five cent
pass- through charge on paper grocery bags. Instead,
retailers may choose whether to sell paper bags to
customers, or absorb the cost of complying with the
ordinance.
and wholesale establishments.
March 2016
Kirkland
84430
KMC 16,£O5 Bans plastic at all retail
Plastic bags for bulk items,
vegetables, fish, meat, etc.
are exempt.
6 -1 Council Vote
2013 survey of residents shows overwhelming opposition
and wholesale establishments.
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