Starting July 1, those ubiquitous, single-use plastic bags will no longer be available at checkout counters at retail stores across Seattle.

Grocers and other retailers will be required by city law to stop handing out plastic bags and to charge customers a nickel fee for every paper bag.

The Seattle City Council passed the plastic bag ban last year as a way to cut down on pollution and encourage people to bring their own bags when they go shopping.

The city has mailed out thousands of notices to local retailers. And stores have been telling customers of the changes.