Everett Launching Bring Your Bag Education Effort

Back in December of last year the City Council in Everett, Washington passed an ordinance prohibiting retail establishments from providing consumers thin, single-use plastic carryout bags (less than 2.25 mils in thickness). The ordinance also required retailers charge consumers a minimum of 5 cents for each carryout bag they are provided. The bag fee is kept by the retailers and is intended to help the retailers (especially small businesses), defray the cost of implementing the ordinance.

The new ordinance becomes effective on September 30th of this year and between now and then you can expect to see more information from the City of Everett on options for both shoppers and retailers as the deadline approaches. The City of Everett has developed a “Bring Your Bag” web page to explain more about the ordinance. The city is also offering a free reusable bag for Everett residents at the Utility Department service desk at 3101 Cedar street while supplies last.

The Everett City Council will get a briefing on the outreach campaign at their weekly meeting Wednesday night.