The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to implement extended producer responsibility for paint products, introducing new definitions such as "aerosol coating product," "coating-related product," and "paint product." It requires all paint producers in Washington to participate in an approved stewardship plan that includes a stewardship assessment added to the purchase price of paint, aimed at covering costs for the collection, transportation, recycling, and processing of leftover paint. The bill also mandates that stewardship organizations submit comprehensive management plans for leftover paint, ensuring equitable and sustainable funding mechanisms, and emphasizes environmentally sound practices to reduce leftover paint generation while promoting recycling and reuse.

Additionally, the legislation establishes a paint product stewardship program that ensures at least 90% of residents have access to permanent collection sites for architectural paint within a 15-mile radius, with additional sites in urban areas based on population density. It outlines the responsibilities of stewardship organizations, including educational outreach and annual reporting to the Department of Ecology, while setting penalties for non-compliance. The bill also creates a paint product stewardship account in the state treasury for program administration and enforcement, and it provides immunity from certain state laws for producers and stewardship organizations involved in these programs. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance accountability among producers, improve waste management, and promote responsible recycling practices in Washington State.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 70A.515.020, 70A.515.030, 70A.515.040, 70A.515.010, 70A.515.050, 70A.515.060, 70A.515.070, 70A.515.080, 70A.515.090, 70A.515.100, 70A.515.110, 70A.208.020