Inslee issues proclamation delaying implementation of single-use plastic bags

||| FROM GOVERNOR JAY INSLEE’S OFFICE |||

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation [Friday] delaying implementation of a law related to single-use plastic bags.

Single Use Plastic Bags (20-82):

This order delays implementation of a law that passed the Legislature in 2020 that was set to go into effect on January 1, 2021, relating to a statewide prohibition on retailers’ issuance of single-use plastic bags.

The governor is delaying the new law’s implementation due to supply issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are affecting their ability to procure the alternative bags, including:

• Increased demand for paper and thicker plastic bags, due to increased demand for takeout and groceries;
• Retailers asking customers not to bring bags from home, to protect workers; and
• Thicker plastic bag manufacturers transitioning their facilities to manufacture hospital gowns and other PPE.

This order is effective December 31 and it will expire at 11:59 PM on January 30, 2021 unless further extended by the Legislature.

Read the full proclamation here.