Single-use plastic bags ban approaches

 

Roberta Errani | Unsplash

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 Ecology’s Solid Waste Management Program. “Reducing their use will protect our rivers and streams, and help our recycling system run more efficiently.”

Reasons given for the ban include harmful chemicals released during the production of plastic and its incineration. Plastic bags are also a significant contaminant for Washington’s recycling system, which clog sorting machines, lessening worker safety.


Consumers have the option to still choose compliant plastic bags at a merchant for a charge of 8 cents per bag.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 03/20/2024 01:29