Single-Use Plastics

Limited Time Extension for Retail and Catering Single-Use Plastic Items. Learn More

City of Bellingham passed a single-use plastics ban that went into effect on July 31, 2022 and adds to other state legislation aimed at reducing single-use plastics. The ban affects lodging, restaurants/bars/pubs, grocery, and catering. We have partnered with the City of Bellingham to help businesses operate the new legislation and remove single-use plastics from their operations.

Printable Resources

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Product Purchasing Guide

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Single-Use Plastic Restrictions

Restaurants, Bars, Pubs

State Law & City Ordinance

Thin plastic bags are prohibited. Reusable plastic or paper bags are permissible if a fee of eight cents per bag is charged. Compostable bags can be provided at no charge. [State law]
For dine-in service, restaurants must use durable service ware and utensils. An exception is available if hardship can be demonstrated – such as a very small restaurant that does not have room for a dishwasher. [City ordinance].
For takeout, utensils and condiment packages can be provided only after customer request. [State law].
Takeout food service ware and utensils cannot be made of single-use plastic. Compostable or reusable wares are allowed. [City ordinance]
As an accommodation for people with disabilities, flexible plastic straws are to be made available upon request. [City ordinance]

Groceries & Catering

State Law & City Ordinance

Thin plastic bags are prohibited. Reusable plastic or paper bags are permissible if a fee of eight cents is charged. Compostable bags can be provided at no charge. [State law]
Grocery stores that have in-store dining or takeout facilities will follow the same rules as outlined above for restaurants. [City ordinance]
Single-use plastics cannot be used to repackage foods for distribution or sale. Food items prepackaged by a manufacturer and sold at retail are not regulated. [City ordinance]
The following items have a limited-time extension until *December 31, 2023*. Exceptions can be extended if no or limited alternative products are available. [City ordinance].
- Produce bags
- Catering trays
- Clear food wrap and shrink wrap
- Containers for uniquely shaped foods, e.g., deviled eggs and cupcakes
- Flexible plastic packaging used to preserve moisture and freshness such as for cookies
- Containers or trays for hot meat items such as ribs or rotisserie chicken
- Small absorbent pads under meat or seafood to absorb liquids in the package

Lodging

City Ordinance

Small plastic bottles less than 6 oz for personal care products (shampoo, lotion, soap) can no longer be provided in rooms.
Businesses are encouraged to use refillable dispensers.
As an accommodation for people with disabilities, small bottles are to be provided upon customer request.

All Other Retail Businesses

State Law

Thin plastic bags are prohibited for all purposes. Reusable plastic or paper bags are permissible if a fee of eight cents is charged. Compostable bags can be provided at no charge. [State law]
Food banks and food assistance programs are not considered retail businesses and are therefore exempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact for enforcement? How will enforcement happen?

Please use this contact form for enforcement-related questions. The City of Bellingham will be using an education-first approach to enforcement.

How do I request a waiver or exemption?

Use this form to apply for a waiver or exemption from the requirements of the single-use plastics ban. Waivers are available for businesses that do not have on-site or off-site dishwashing capabilities. Businesses can also request an extension for one or more of the restricted single-use plastic products listed if there are not at least two suitable compostable alternatives and/or there are not at least two vendors that make commercially available compostable alternatives to the single-use plastic food service product for which the exemption is being requested.

How long is waiver good for?

The waiver will be issued for one year and then the business must be in compliance or file for another waiver.

Do theaters need to comply with this ordinance?

Yes, theaters serving food need to comply with takeout rules. Theaters with a dining area need to comply with onsite dining rules.

Do food trucks need to comply with this ordinance?

Yes, food trucks are considered takeout service.

Can I use down my existing inventory after the ordinance has gone into effect?

No. After July 31, 2022 businesses must comply with the ordinance.

What type of dining are food court establishments?

Food court businesses need to comply with onsite dining rules if food is to be eaten at food court tables and takeout rules if being taken to eat off site.

What does reusable mean?

“Reusable” means designed and manufactured to maintain its shape and structure, and to be materially durable for repeated (at least 1,000 times each) sanitizing in water at 171 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 continuous seconds, washing via commercial dishwashing machine, and reuse.