Bill > HB1131

This bill establishes a comprehensive statewide program for the responsible management of consumer packaging and paper products in Washington. The key provisions of the bill are: This bill establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program that requires producers of consumer packaging and paper products to be responsible for achieving specific management and environmental outcomes for the packaging and paper products they supply into Washington. The bill requires producers to join a producer responsibility organization that will develop and implement a plan to meet the requirements of the program, including providing convenient and affordable curbside recycling services, increasing the use of recycled content in products, and reducing the use and climate impact of consumer packaging and paper products. The bill also establishes minimum recycled content requirements for certain plastic products, including plastic beverage containers, household cleaning and personal care products, and plastic tubs. Producers must meet increasing recycled content targets over time. In addition, the bill creates a deposit return system for qualifying beverage containers, which is an alternative compliance pathway for producers of those containers under the EPR program. The deposit return system requires distributors to establish a convenient statewide system for consumers to redeem beverage containers. The bill provides the Department of Ecology with authority to implement, administer, and enforce the requirements of the EPR program and the recycled content program, including by assessing penalties for noncompliance. The bill also creates several new accounts to fund the department's costs. Overall, the bill aims to improve the management of consumer packaging and paper products in Washington by making producers responsible for the environmental impacts of their products and establishing recycling, reuse, and recycled content requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1131&Year=2023&Initiative=false