Bill > HB2212

This bill aims to reduce microplastic pollution from washing machines by requiring commercial and industrial washing machines manufactured after July 1, 2028, to be equipped with microfiber filtration systems that can capture at least 87 percent of microfibers. The bill defines microfibers as synthetic or natural textile fibers less than five millimeters long and notes that a single laundry load can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers into wastewater. The legislation mandates that these washing machines have a visible label instructing users to check and dispose of captured lint properly. By July 1, 2034, all existing commercial and industrial washing machines must also be retrofitted with these filters. The bill also provides the Department of Ecology with the authority to potentially require residential washing machines to have similar filters after July 1, 2030, contingent on market conditions and costs. Violations of these requirements can result in civil penalties up to $5,000 for first offenses and $10,000 for repeat offenses. The legislation is motivated by the widespread presence of microplastics in drinking water and potential health risks, with the ultimate goal of protecting public health and the environment by reducing microplastic pollution in Washington's waters.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2212&Year=2025&Initiative=false