Single-use plastic bags ban approaches

OLYMPIA — Single-use plastic bags are in the last months of unrestricted use as a statewide ban takes effect on Oct. 1.

The new law bars the distribution of plastic, single-use bags by entities such as grocery stores, other retail stores, and restaurants.

Originally set to take effect Jan. 1, the ban was delayed through a proclamation by Gov. Jay Inslee, due to the limited availability of compliant bags.

“Single-use plastic bags are not easily recyclable, which makes managing them at the end of their lives almost impossible,” said Laurie Davies, manager of the Washington State Department of Ec...