Bag Fees Climbing in Washington—What Shoppers Need to Know

Are you like me? I always walk out of the grocery store carrying all of my items without a grocery bag.

Washington Shoppers to Pay Higher Grocery Bag Fee in 2026

I can't stand to pay the 8 cents for a grocery bag and will only get one as a last resort. If I do a big shopping trip, I'll bring my own bags.

Are you like that?

It appears that the 8-cent grocery bag price is going up again in January 2026 in Washington State.

Right now, both paper and reusable plastic carryout bags cost 8 cents each at most retail locations, but starting in January, the fee for reusable plastic bags will rise to 12 cents per bag. Paper bags will stay at 8 cents. loading...

Why Grocery Bags Will Cost More in Washington Starting January 2026

Under RCW 70A.530, beginning in 2026, prices will go up again