Seattle's ban on plastic grocery bags has gone into effect.
Under the citywide ban, plastic bags will no longer be available at most any retail store. Stores will also charge customers $0.05 for each paper bag used.
The ban is designed to encourage the use of reusable bags.
To better prepare shoppers, Seattle Public Utilities and Safeway planned to give away 32,000 reusable grocery bags on the first day of the bay. Bags can be picked up at any of Seattle's 16 Safeway stores.
More information about the ban can be found here, including these important details:
- Plastic bags used for produce and poultry are okay
- Dry cleaner bags or take-out food bags are okay
- All bag charges will be printed on grocery receipts
- EBT card users are exempt
- Violations could cost $250
