The Washington Litter Tax applies to manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers who sell products that contribute to the state’s litter problem. This tax is paid by the business — it is not collected from customers.
There are 13 broad product categories subject to the litter tax, including food for human or pet consumption, groceries, cigarettes and tobacco products, soft drinks, beer, wine, newspapers, magazines, household paper and paper products, glass, metal, plastic, or fiber containers, cleaning agents and toiletries, and drugstore sundry items.
The current litter tax rate is 0.015%, or $1.50 per $10,000 in sales.
Funds collected through this tax support the Washington State Department of Ecology’s litter control efforts, including youth employment programs for public area cleanups and public education initiatives on recycling and litter prevention.
Not sure if your sales are subject to the litter tax?
We recommend erring on the side of caution and paying the tax. The rate is so minimal that the cost of potential noncompliance outweighs the tax itself — and you will also be contributing to important environmental programs.