This Initiative deals with retail carryout bags and would repeal existing law. In 2012, the Issaquah City Council enacted the existing law (the Ordinance), which prohibits retail establishments from providing lightweight disposable plastic carryout bags to customers.
Lightweight disposable plastic carryout bags are bags made from plastic or bioplastic that are provided at the check-out stand and are not reusable bags. The Ordinance defines reusable bags as bags with handles made of cloth, fabric or other material designed for long term multiple reuse. Bags provided for customers to package items such as fruit, vegetables, frozen foods and meat, as well as bags for dry cleaning and food take-out, are not affected by the Ordinance.
The Ordinance also requires retail establishments to collect and retain a minimum 5 cent charge when providing customers with larger paper carryout bags. Larger paper bags are 882 cubic inches or larger, approximately the size of a typical grocery bag. The Ordinance further encourages the use of reusable bags through public education programs and by making reusable bags available from the City at a low cost or free. The Ordinance became effective on March 1, 2013 for retail establishments 7,500 square feet or over. For retail establishments under 7,500 square feet, the Ordinance goes into effect July 1, 2014.
The Initiative would repeal the Ordinance. In addition, the Initiative would require future regulation of retail carryout bags be approved by a majority vote of the City Council and a majority vote of the citizens at an election.
For additional questions regarding this measure contact: Wayne Tanaka - City Attorney 425-447-7000 • wtanaka@omwlaw.com
