SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): After years of effort, Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson finally signed the state's Recycling Reform Act (SB 5284) into law on Saturday. Washington is now the sixth state in the union to enact packaging EPR legislation.
For the majority of paper and packaging types, including beverage containers, the new law establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme. The regulation does not, however, apply to several kinds of food or medical packaging.
ALSO READ:
Maryland Enacts Nation-Leading EPR Legislation
City of Denver to Expand Recycling and Composting
Manufacturers and consumer brands will contribute to the program's funding. A statewide recycling collection list is established by the bill. For all residences that currently have curbside garbage service, it will also include curbside recycling.
The law stipulates that the state's Department of Ecology must produce a report by December 31, 2026, at the latest, following a full evaluation of the state's recycling standards. New information should be added, and this should be completed by December 31, 2027.
Nearly 90% of the recycling expenses incurred by the trash service companies will be reimbursed. The money will go toward expenditures in system upgrades. 50% of the reimbursements will be made by February 15th, 2030; 75% will be made in 2031; and 90% will be made in 2032.