EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been revised with the correct date:

REMINDER: Burien’s Plastic Bag ban will go into effect New Year’s Day – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020.

This means that – unless you want to buy a paper bag for 10 cents each – you should bring in reusable bags whenever shopping or taking food to go.

Here’s more info from the city:

The Burien City Council unanimously passed an ordinance on Jan. 7, 2019 to ban carryout plastic bags in restaurants and retail establishments.

Specifically, the plastic bag ban ordinance:

- - Bans plastic bags from being provided at point of sale.
  - Requires business owners collect a minimum 10-cent charge for paper bags.
  - Allows businesses to keep the 10-cent charge.
  - Exempts damp or contaminated items, such as roasted chicken bags.
  - Exempts in-store plastic bags like produce bags, bulk item bags, and bags for meat.
  - Provides encouragement to food banks, who will be exempt from the ban, to transition away from plastic bags.

A retailer may not collect the 10-cent charge from people presenting a voucher or electronic benefits card (EBT) issued under certain assistance programs, including Women Infants and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Basic Food), and the Washington State Food Assistance Program.

The law affects all retail businesses within the city of Burien, including grocery stores, convenience stores, fast food, and temporary retailers and vendors such as at farmers markets and festivals. The City is providing support for restaurants and retailers affected by the ban.

Resources for businesses:
The City of Burien can provide design files in multiple sizes of the Point of Sale sign (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese).