Zero Waste

Our community has a long history of working to reduce waste. In 1989, the City prohibited retail food establishments from using non-biodegradable packaging (Styrofoam), followed by the Single Use Carry Out Bag Ordinance in 2012 (Ordinance 2012-06, commonly known as the "plastic bag ban"). In January 2020, the charge for a retailer’s paper bags increased from five cents to eight cents to be consistent with the charge in the rest of Kitsap County as authorized by Ordinance 2019-30.

In June 2021, the Council passed Ordinance 2021-18, which only allows single-use food service products to be provided when a customer asks or confirms they would like to use them. In November 2021, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2021-34 to reduce plastic waste from food service and lodging businesses.

Learn more about new waste reduction regulations for Bainbridge Island businesses and businesses taking the lead on these efforts below. Access resources and educational materials to implement the 2023 waste reduction regulations using the 2023 Waste Reduction Resources link. 

  1. Businesses taking the lead on waste reduction

Thank you Climate Smart Bainbridge Businesses!

Thank you to the following food and lodging establishments for taking the lead on efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste! These businesses pledged to "Erase the Waste" before new waste reduction regulations went into effect in 2023. Businesses received recognition as a Climate Smart Bainbridge business leader in the Bainbridge Island Review, on social media, and in City communications in 2022. 

Food Retail & Lodging Businesses that Pledged to Erase the Waste

  • The Island School
  • Town & Country Market
  • Bainbridge Vineyards
  • The Madison Diner 
  • The Quality Inn and Suites
  • Cups Espresso and Café
  • SuBI Japanese Restaurant
  • Nirvana Indian and Nepali Cuisine 

Other Community Businesses that Pledged to Erase the Waste

  • OfficeXpats
  • Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce


Window Decal artwork for Erase the Waste Pledge

Look for this decal to identify businesses that took the lead on waste reduction! 

Customer Pledge to Erase the Waste

As a customer, you can do your part by pledging to Erase the Waste and supporting local businesses that took the Erase the Waste pledge. 

Take the Customer Pledge to Erase the Waste

  1. Monthly business outreach: COBI Chats on waste regulations
  1. January 2023 - New Rules for Reducing Plastic Waste in Food Service and Lodging Businesses
  1. 2023 Updates to 2022 Rules for Single-Use Food Service Items

HOW TO STAY
INFORMED

To sign up for notifications,
click on "Notify Me" and
select Waste ordinance updates.

Infographic about why the city is banning single use plastics