Show All Answers

1. Why has the City of Ellensburg created a carryout bag code?

The intent of the code is to significantly reduce the environmental impacts related to single-use carryout bags and to promote a shift towards the use of reusable bags.

2. What can I use as a carryout bag?

Anything you can safely carry your groceries with, including: reusable bags, baskets, buckets, and boxes, for example.

3. What will it cost me to use a conventional retailer supplied plastic and paper bag?

Retailers will charge $0.05 per bag at the checkout stand. The charge for the bag(s) will be itemized on your receipt.

4. Who gets the money collected at checkout for retail supplied plastic and paper bags?

The funds collected for retail supplied plastic ($0.05 per bag) and paper ($0.05 per bag) bags is retained by the retailer.

5. Is there a charge for plastic produce bags - those used to carry meat and produce to checkout?

No.

6. Is there a charge for plastic trash can liners and other boxed plastic bags?

No.

7. What if I don't want to buy/bring a reusable bag or purchase a retailer supplied paper or plastic bag?

If you can comfortably carry your purchases out by hand, that is one option; or you can repackage your goods into a shopping cart or basket and unload them directly into your vehicle (and then return the cart or basket).

8. What if I can't afford bags?

Customers have a variety of options available to bypass the cost of purchasing plastic, paper and reusable bags, such as:

Bring a reusable bag or basket you already own, or avoid a bag altogether on small purchases like a single item.
Obtain free reusable bags that are often given out by businesses and community organizations at special events as promotional items.
Residents participating in supplemental food programs are exempt.