HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-12 - Public Hearing - Ordinance Regulating Carryout Bags at Retail StoresCITY OF TUKWILA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Tukwila City Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday,
November 12, 2019 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Tukwila City Hall, 6200
Southcenter Blvd., Tukwila, WA to consider the following:
An ordinance 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.
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 and retain an 8-cent 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, restaurant take-out, 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.
• The City Council Public Safety Committee has recommended an effective date 9 months after
passage to allow retailers and customers time to prepare and for the city to assist businesses
with educational material.
All interested persons are invited to be present to voice approval, disapproval, or opinions on this
issue. For those unable to attend in person, you may submit written testimony to the City Clerk's
office until 5:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.
Tukwila City Hall is wheelchair accessible. The City strives to accommodate people with
disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available at the public hearing with advance notice.
This notice is also available in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities. Please contact the
City Clerk's Office at TukwilaCityClerk@Tukwilawa.gov for assistance.
Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk
Published: Seattle Times — October 29, 2019