To reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainability, Washington requires retailers to follow specific bag fee guidelines. From October 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025 retailers must charge 8 cents per reusable bag. Beginning on January 1, 2026, the fee for plastic bags will increase to 12 cents, but paper bag fees will remain at 8 cents. The bag fees must be itemized on receipts provided to customers and are subject to business and occupation (B&O) and Retail Sales Tax, although the fee does not need to be remitted to the state. Retailers may not charge the bag fee to customers using benefits from programs such as, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TAN (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and FAP (Food Assistance Program). Lastly, food banks and other food assistance programs are exempt from collecting the fee.
With the 2026 increase in plastic bag fees and new bag thickness requirements also taking effect, retailers should begin preparing now to ensure full compliance to pricing and reporting rules and regulations.
(Reusable Bag Fees, Washington Department of Revenue, April 02, 2025)