Mukilteo Joins Edmonds as Snohomish County Cities to Ban Plastic Bags

This week, the Mukilteo City Council unanimously voted to ban the use of single-service plastic grocery bags, becoming the second city in Snohomish County to do so.

On Aug. 27, 2010, to ban the single-use, checkout line plastic bags in grocery stores. Edmonds’ vote was 5-1 in favor, with Councilmember Ron Wambolt against it.

, also by unanimous vote. The Whatcom County city's ban begins in July 2012. Bellingham retailers will be able to charge at least 5 cents per paper bag used by customers, with retailers keeping the money. The incentive-fee is not one that is in place in Edmonds, but one that will be included in Mukilteo's ban.

According to the Herald, Mukilteo's ban begins on Jan. 1, 2013. Excepted in the ban, similar to Edmonds and Bellingham, are bags for produce, meat, prepared and bulk food at groceries and for restaurant take-out food.

Also excepted are newspaper bags. The ban effects all retail establishments, not just grocery stores.

The Herald reports the fine for a violation will be $50 in Mukilteo, while Edmonds' is $100 for a first offense and $250 for a second one within two years.

Seattle is also taking steps to ban plastic bags after a previous attempt was rejected by voters in 2009.