Bill > SB5154

This bill: Establishes an extended producer responsibility program for consumer packaging and paper products sold in Washington. The program requires producers to be responsible for managing their products from design to end-of-life, including achieving recycling and reuse targets. Producers must join a producer responsibility organization to develop and implement a plan to meet the program requirements. The department of ecology will oversee the program, approve plans, and enforce compliance. The bill also establishes minimum postconsumer recycled content requirements for certain plastic products like beverage containers, household cleaning products, and plastic tubs. Additionally, the bill creates a deposit return system for qualifying beverage containers, to be implemented by a distributor responsibility organization, providing consumers with a refund for returning containers. The bill aims to improve Washington's solid waste management and recycling outcomes, reduce waste and environmental impacts, and create a more circular economy for packaging and paper products. It involves producers in the management of their materials, establishes convenience standards for recycling and reuse, and provides funding mechanisms to support the new programs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5154&Year=2023&Initiative=false