OLYMPIA — Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes) and Rep. Liz Berry (D-Seattle) will hold a press conference this week to introduce the Recycling Reform Act (HB1150) to modernize Washington state’s recycling system.
In Washington, more than half of all paper and packaging are going into landfills, wasting valuable material that could otherwise be recycled while contributing to harmful emissions. Access to recycling is not equitable across the state with only 58% of jurisdictions providing curbside recycling. In 11 counties, there’s no curbside recycling at all.
The Recycling Reform Act would create a producer responsibility program in which manufacturers and brands come together to reduce unnecessary packaging and paper, fund statewide recycling services, and ensure that materials put in recycling bins will actually be recycled.
A proven policy across the world, several states have adopted similar legislation in recent years. Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, and Minnesota have all passed laws establishing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging.
The bill has had significant attention and momentum in Washington in recent years, nearly making it out of the House last session. The press event will launch the new bill language, which aligns with nationally recognized model policy passed in Minnesota last year.
Sen. Lovelett and Rep. Berry will be joined by Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne, Dr. Mark Vosseler from WA Physicians for Social Responsibility, labor groups, environmental organizations and other supporters.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. in the Senate Rules Room, 220A Legislative Building, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia.
Who: Sen. Liz Lovelett and Rep. Liz Berry
What: Recycling Reform Act
When: Thursday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. in the Senate Rules Room, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, 220A Legislative Building, Olympia
More Information: Recycling Reform Act fact sheet
Note: The companion Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Lovelett will be officially introduced and receive a bill number in the coming days.
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