ESSB 6428 was signed into law on March 24, 2006 and established E-Cycle Washington, a producer responsibility system for recycling of covered electronic products (CEPs) through manufacturer financed opportunities.

Manufacturers are required to annually register and submit a fee to the Department of Ecology and must participate in a standard plan or an independent plan for the collection, transportation, and recycling of unwanted electronic products. Plans will include provision for collection services for covered electronic products of all product types that are reasonably convenient and available to all citizens of the state.

Retailers are prohibited from selling products of manufacturers who do not comply with the law. Manufacturers, state government, local governments, retailers, and collection sites and services shall collaborate in the development and implementation of a public information campaign regarding the collection of electronic waste. The Governor vetoed Section 26 which pertains to export restrictions of electronic waste on the grounds that the state does not have the authority to restrict exports as the bill was written. See the attached enactment message (PDF). See Electronics Programs for additional information about the law and its implementation.