Bill > HB2049

This bill proposes to establish a comprehensive program for improving solid waste management outcomes in Washington state. The key provisions are: This bill requires producers of covered products (packaging and paper products sold or supplied to consumers) to participate in and fund a producer responsibility organization that will develop and implement a plan to collect, transport, reuse, and recycle these products. The plan must meet certain requirements, including providing convenient collection services statewide, achieving performance targets for recycling and source reduction, and funding infrastructure investments. The bill also establishes minimum postconsumer recycled content requirements for certain plastic products, including beverage containers, household cleaning and personal care products, plastic tubs, single-use plastic cups, and thermoform plastic containers. Producers must meet these requirements or face penalties. The bill makes amendments to existing solid waste management laws to ensure coordination between the new producer responsibility program and local government responsibilities, and to require the utilities and transportation commission to establish reimbursement rates for solid waste companies providing recycling services. The bill creates new accounts to fund the department of ecology's administration and enforcement of these new programs, as well as a grant program to support reuse projects. Overall, the intent is to improve recycling and reduce waste through shared responsibility between producers, governments, and consumers.