Tacoma's plastic bag ban takes effect

This browser does not support the video element.

TACOMA, Wash. — At Tacoma Boys, a produce and specialty food retailer, there's a new question at checkout: "Would you like to purchase a bag?"

Tacoma's bag ordinance took effect Wednesday, a year after it passed the City Council.

Plastic grocery bags no longer come free.

For a nickel, you can buy a paper bag.

"It's been a long time coming," said shopper Kathy Hamilton, who came prepared with a reusable bag.

Bill Kamp also brought his own bag.

"I've been carrying my own bags for years. Every time I have to touch plastic, it just bums me out," Kamp said.

The city estimates 70 million bags are used in Tacoma each year, creating a litter problem and clogging landfills.

"It seems like a good way for people to help reduce the amount of waste that we generate, and it's relatively painless," said Jim Parvey, who manages the city Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability.

Still, plastic bags have their fans.

Teresa Bradley brought an old one to the store.

"I've been saving them for weeks ever since I found out, because they have a lot of uses for other things, too," Bradley said.

The ordinance is modeled after the one Seattle has had for five years.

There are similar bag laws in Olympia, Edmonds and Bellingham.

Tacoma officials say they adopted the same ordinance so big retailers don't have to deal with different rules.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP