The bill seeks to enhance the stewardship and management of mercury-containing lighting products in Washington State, aiming to mitigate their environmental impact. It extends the existing stewardship program, which will be reviewed in 2025, and introduces a ban on the sale of most mercury-containing lights starting January 1, 2029, while allowing distributors to sell existing stock until July 1, 2029. The legislation also imposes new labeling requirements for fluorescent lamps and establishes penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to $1,000 for first offenses and $5,000 for repeat violations. Key amendments include the prohibition of sales of compact and linear fluorescent lamps after 2029 and the introduction of responsibilities for manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers regarding the sale and disposal of these products.

Additionally, the bill outlines new definitions and requirements for producers and stewardship organizations, mandating participation in a product stewardship program and the submission of plans for approval. It requires stewardship organizations to provide no-cost collection services in larger cities, prohibits fees for collection, and emphasizes public education, particularly in overburdened communities. The legislation also establishes an environmental handling charge for mercury-containing lights until December 31, 2028, and outlines civil penalties for violations, with the department empowered to issue compliance orders. Furthermore, it mandates recycling of end-of-life mercury-containing lights, prohibits their disposal in regular waste, and streamlines existing laws related to the stewardship program and recycling requirements.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.230.020, 70A.505.020, 70A.505.030, 70A.505.040, 70A.505.050, 70A.505.120, 70A.505.070, 70A.505.100, 70A.505.110, 70A.505.130, 70A.505.160, 82.04.660, 70A.230.080, 70A.505.090
Substitute Bill: 70A.230.020, 70A.505.020, 70A.505.030, 70A.505.040, 70A.505.050, 70A.505.120, 70A.505.070, 70A.505.100, 70A.505.110, 70A.505.130, 70A.505.160, 82.04.660, 70A.230.080, 70A.305.180, 70A.505.090
Second Substitute: 70A.230.020, 70A.505.010, 70A.505.020, 70A.505.030, 70A.505.040, 70A.505.050, 70A.505.120, 70A.505.070, 70A.505.100, 70A.505.110, 70A.505.130, 70A.505.160, 82.04.660, 70A.230.080, 70A.505.090
Engrossed Second Substitute: 70A.230.020, 70A.505.010, 70A.505.020, 70A.505.030, 70A.505.040, 70A.505.050, 70A.505.120, 70A.505.070, 70A.505.100, 70A.505.110, 70A.505.130, 70A.505.160, 82.04.660, 70A.230.080, 70A.505.090
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.230.020, 70A.505.010, 70A.505.020, 70A.505.030, 70A.505.040, 70A.505.050, 70A.505.120, 70A.505.070, 70A.505.100, 70A.505.110, 70A.505.130, 70A.505.160, 82.04.660, 70A.230.080
Session Law: 70A.230.020, 70A.505.010, 70A.505.020, 70A.505.030, 70A.505.040, 70A.505.050, 70A.505.120, 70A.505.070, 70A.505.100, 70A.505.110, 70A.505.130, 70A.505.160, 82.04.660, 70A.230.080