Bill > HB1607

This bill establishes a comprehensive recycling refund program for beverage containers in Washington State, aiming to improve recycling rates, reduce litter, and support a circular economy. The legislation requires producers of beverage containers to join a recycling refund producer responsibility organization, which will manage a statewide program with a 10-cent refundable deposit on glass, plastic, and metal beverage containers. Key provisions include creating an extensive network of redemption sites (both express and full-service), setting ambitious redemption rate targets (65% by year two and 80% by year five), and establishing a detailed governance structure with a recycling refund advisory council. The program will be overseen by the Department of Ecology and will include mechanisms for tracking, reporting, and enforcing compliance, with penalties for producers and distributors who fail to participate. The bill also provides tax incentives for businesses, creates a dedicated recycling refund program account, and aims to support socially vulnerable populations by ensuring convenient access to redemption sites. Notably, the program is designed to be self-funding through producer fees and unredeemed container deposits, with the ultimate goal of increasing recycling rates, reducing waste, and supporting local recycling infrastructure.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1607&Year=2025&Initiative=false