More Murrow News Stories PULLMAN, WASH - Each year over 100-billion plastic bags are used in America. Nearly 2-billion of those are used in the state of Washington alone, fewer than 6% of those are recycled.
In March of this year, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed ESSB 5323 into law which bans retail establishments from providing single-use, plastic carryout bags which will go into effect January 1, 2021.
Once this ban goes into effect, there will no longer be single-use carryout plastic bags. Instead, there will be 8-cent paper and reusable bags as well as free green or brown compostable bags.
As listed on the Washington State ballot, under Advisory Vote 32, the legislature imposed a retail sales tax on carryout bags which is expected to cost nearly $32 million in the first ten years for government spending.
Dissmores manager Archie McGregor has thoughts regarding this ban.
“I understand the reason for it, but I also believe that it is a disadvantage. It increases costs, it is not as convenient for the customer, and there are a lot of customers that still prefer plastic bags.”
This new law will reduce contamination in commingled recycling and compost systems, promote reuse and recycled content, and support the recycled paper manufacturing industry.
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Each year over 100-billion plastic bags are used in America. Nearly 2-billion of those are used in the state of Washington alone, fewer than 6% of those are recycled.
In March of this year, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed ESSB 5323 into law which bans retail establishments from providing single-use, plastic carryout bags which will go into effect January 1, 2021.
Once this ban goes into effect, there will no longer be single-use carryout plastic bags. Instead, there will be 8-cent paper and reusable bags as well as free green or brown compostable bags.
As listed on the Washington State ballot, under Advisory Vote 32, the legislature imposed a retail sales tax on carryout bags which is expected to cost nearly $32 million in the first ten years for government spending.
Dissmores manager Archie McGregor has thoughts regarding this ban.
“I understand the reason for it, but I also believe that it is a disadvantage. It increases costs, it is not as convenient for the customer, and there are a lot of customers that still prefer plastic bags.”
This new law will reduce contamination in commingled recycling and compost systems, promote reuse and recycled content, and support the recycled paper manufacturing industry.