For the avid readers out there the term “producer responsibility” will sound familiar. It’s a public policy approach that puts those who create and send products and packaging into our state to be financially responsible for the waste it creates. The time to enact this into law is now.
HB 1150 is the latest version of this approach for managing paper and packaging, essentially all the stuff you put in your residential recycling cart every week. Sponsored by Rep. Liz Berry (D–Seattle) who has worked tirelessly over the years – yes, years – to address stakeholder concerns to bring this much needed recycling reform to our state.
The bill, referred to as The Recycling Reform Act, is modeled after the law that passed in Minnesota with support across all stakeholder groups – local government, state, producers, and yes, even the solid waste collection companies. Here’s what the bill will do in a nutshell:
- Establishes a statewide residential recycling list
- Expands curbside recycling to all households that have garbage service
- Service providers are reimbursed for collection services
- Creates performance targets for reuse, recycling, compost, and plastic reduction
For nice visual summaries, check out these resources and share them with your legislators!
Date to remember
HB 1150 will be heard in the House Environment & Energy Committee on Tuesday, January 21 at 4 pm