SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): More support is being shown for Washington's Recycling Reform Act, HB 1150/SB 5284, which aims to modernize the state's recycling system and reduce plastic pollution. Companies are held accountable by the law for the garbage that their products produce. Among those who have expressed support for the bill are Environment Washington and public interest advocacy group WashPIRG.

ALSO READ:

Allen County, IN Lands $1.7M Grant to Expand Battery Recycling

City of Phoenix Considers New Plans to Reduce Landfill Waste

Approximately half of the 400 million tons of plastic waste generated annually are single-use plastic products, according to preliminary estimates. The enormous amounts of plastic waste are too much for Washington's current recycling system to handle. In Washington, almost half of consumer paper and packaging items are burned or landfilled, harming the environment.

According to the legislation, businesses will be held financially responsible for the garbage that their packaging generates as part of a producer responsibility program. The money raised from the fees will support recycling initiatives around the state.

On January 21, 2025, the House Environment & Energy Committee had its initial hearing on the measure. For the Act's initial hearing, more than 1,200 people signed a petition. The Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee will now hear it on Tuesday, January 28 at 1:30 p.m.