State grocers' associations in Washington have called for the statewide ban on single-use plastic bags to be delayed as COVID-19 cases rise. | Stock Photo
State grocers' associations in Washington have called for the statewide ban on single-use plastic bags to be delayed as COVID-19 cases rise. | Stock Photo
State grocers' associations in Washington have called for the statewide ban on single-use plastic bags to be delayed as COVID-19 cases rise.
The Washington Food Association (WFIA) has asked Gov. Jay Inslee (D-WA) to halt the new law for at least 30 days. It was set to take effect as of the first of the year. The WFIA represents independent grocery and convenience stores. It says if the bag ban is implemented as scheduled, there won't be enough bags to provide to customers since the growing demand for groceries have depleted supplies of thicker plastic and paper bags.
Tammie Hetrick, WFIA President, told the Kitsap Sun in an email that the group who worked to pass the bill in the state legislature now are in favor of halting it for the time being.
Local governments within Kitsap County lifted bans on sing-use plastic bags eight months ago in an effort to protect shoppers and employees from spreading the virus. Most of the bans are still suspended to this day.
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