During the 2021 Washington state legislative session, Senate Bill 5022 was passed in order to cut back on harmful and unnecessary single-use plastics.

  • This bill bans expanded polystyrene foam (plastic foam) food service ware, packing peanuts and recreational coolers starting in 2023.
  • Beginning in 2022, food services businesses may provide single-use utensils, straws, condiment packets and cold-beverage lids only when the customer confirms they want them. This will significantly reduce unnecessary plastic waste. While five other states have addressed plastic straws (through bans or opt-in policies), Washington state is the first to take this action on the other single-use items.
  • Manufacturers of plastic beverage bottles, trash bags and household cleaning and personal-care containers will be required to use post-consumer recycled content.