A proposal to reduce waste associated with single-use food service products has been scheduled for a hearing. HB 2656, sponsored by Rep. Mia Gregerson (D–SeaTac), makes the following changes:

• Beginning January 1, 2021:
  • Single-use utensils, straws, and condiment packaging may only be provided by request.
  • Polystyrene foam food service products are banned.
• Beginning January 1, 2022, plastic-containing food service products may not be provided, except for recyclable plastic bottles and beverage containers (made from PET and HDPE only) and plastic prepackaged food.
• Beginning July 1, 2022, compostable service-ware may be provided in jurisdictions that have facilities capable of composting such products.
• Beginning January 1, 2030, all plastic-containing food service products are banned.
• Grandfathers in “request only” single-use plastic food service products ordinances prior to July 1, 2020.
• Directs the Department of Ecology to establish a single-use food service item fee that provides funding to implement the new chapter the bill creates, as well as to fund solid waste management planning, and development of composting infrastructure.

Dates to remember

HB 2656 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Environment & Energy Committee at 1:30 pm on Monday, January 27.