This bill establishes minimum postconsumer recycled content (PCRC) requirements for various plastic products in Washington State, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability and support the recycling industry. It introduces new definitions for PCRC products, including "PCRC 1.0" and "PCRC 2.0," and specifies exemptions for products in direct contact with food, drugs, or hazardous materials. Key amendments include the addition of definitions for terms like "de minimis producer" and "exempted PCRC 2.0 product," as well as modifications to existing definitions related to beverage containers and household cleaning products. The legislation sets specific minimum percentages of postconsumer recycled content that producers must meet, with compliance deadlines extending to 2031.

The bill also outlines compliance and enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for non-compliance based on the amount of plastic used and the shortfall in meeting required percentages. It allows for penalty waivers for amounts under $100 and provides options for installment payments. Additionally, it mandates annual reporting requirements for producers, corrective action plans for non-compliance, and new labeling requirements for plastic trash bags starting in 2027. The Department is tasked with conducting regular market studies and assessments of the PCRC requirements every ten years, emphasizing the importance of third-party verification and prioritizing the purchase of products that meet recycled content standards. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance recycling efforts and reduce plastic waste in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70A.245.010, 70A.245.020, 70A.245.030, 43.21A.160, 70A.245.100, 70A.245.090, 70A.245.120, 70A.245.060
Substitute bill: 70A.245.010, 70A.245.020, 70A.245.030, 43.21A.160, 70A.245.100, 70A.245.090, 70A.245.120, 70A.245.060, 70A.245.110