BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Bellingham's plastic bag ban takes effect August 1, and local stores are taking steps now to prepare for the transition.

A recent letter from the city sent to retailers encourages them to use up their existing supply of plastic bags before the ban takes effect.

The Markets LLC Spokesperson Sue Cole says they've been selling reusable bags at all of their stores...



She says the markets will also have a good supply of paper bags.

The city requires that stores charge at least $0.05 for paper bags, but the fee is not a new tax and will not go to the city.

Stores can still offer plastic produce bags and take-out food bags.

The Bellingham City Council passed the ordinance banning plastic bags in the city last July.

The Issiquah City Council also passed a bag ban earlier this month, becoming the sixth city in Washington to put an end to plastic bags.