The bill aims to enhance recycling efforts in Washington State by establishing new goals and strategies within the solid waste management system, recognizing a previous 50% recycling rate that has since declined. It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive needs assessment to improve the recycling system, encourages producers to increase the use of postconsumer recycled content, and aims to reduce contamination in the recycling stream. Key strategies include creating a single statewide list of recyclable materials, conducting a needs assessment to achieve a 60% recycling rate for packaging, and implementing restrictions on misleading recycling symbols. The bill also introduces new definitions and requirements for labeling and determining recyclability, mandating that products making claims about recyclability must meet specific criteria starting January 1, 2028.

Additionally, the legislation establishes a registration and reporting requirement for producers of covered products, effective January 1, 2025, and outlines penalties for non-compliance. It introduces new postconsumer recycled content requirements for various products, with a goal of reaching 50% recycled content by 2031. The bill also creates an advisory committee to provide guidance on solid waste management and recycling efforts, ensuring stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, it outlines a comprehensive framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing environmental justice, including provisions for clean energy transition assistance and a minimum allocation of $50 million per biennium for initiatives supporting Indian tribes facing climate change impacts.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.245.010, 70A.245.020, 70A.245.030, 70A.245.040, 70A.245.100, 70A.300.010, 70A.245.110, 70A.245.120, 70A.65.260