BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Retailers in Bellingham are stocking up on paper bags and reusable boxes as the city's plastic bag ban goes into effect Wednesday.

The ban passed by the Bellingham City Council one year ago outlaws single use plastic grocery bags, but some other types of plastic sacks - such as produce bags - are still allowed.

City Councilman Seth Fleetwood says the object of the law is to change shopper's behavior.



He says the city sent out 1,500 letters to retailers in recent weeks reminding them of the August 1 deadline.

Stores will have to charge $.05 for each paper bag under the new policy.

Seattle adopted a bag ban inspired by Bellingham's policy that went into effect July 1.