Kent City Council Approves Ordinance to Ban Plastic Bags

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Kent City Council, at its meeting held August 20, 2019 has approved the ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags.

The ban was approved by a 7-0 Council vote. Consequently, distribution of carryout plastic bags at retail checkouts will be prohibited starting March this year. With this, Kent has now become the 30^th jurisdiction in the Washington state to ban plastic bags. It must be noted that the Council’s Public Works Committee had approved the ordinance unanimously by a 2-0 vote, following which it was forwarded to the full seven-member council.

The plastic bag ordinance is aimed at reducing the consumption of plastic bags, by encouraging shoppers to bring reusable bags. The retail outlets will maintain stock of alternative paper bags, which will be provided to shoppers for a fee of 8 cents per bag. The fee thus collected can be retained by the stores to cover the cost of the paper bags. Customers who use vouchers or electronic benefits cards under food assistance programs will be exempt from the fee. Also, the ordinance exempts certain plastic bags such as those used to pack produce, meat, flowers and other items.

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The ordinance will go into effect March 1, 2020. Beginning that date, businesses that violate the ordinance will be fined $250. According to City officials, an outreach and education programme will be launched soon for the benefit of residents and businesses.

The ordinance has received strong support from several bodies including the Northwest Grocery Association.