Washington's  session runs Jan. 11 to April 26, 2021:
Packaging: SB 5022 was introduced as a packaging producer responsibility bill, but a substitute bill (2SSB 5022) was adopted that contains three elements: requiring minimum recycled content for plastic beverage containers; banning the sale and distribution of certain expanded polystyrene (EPS) products; requiring single-use food service-ware be offered on request. The substitute bill passed the Senate Environment, Energy, and Technology committee on February 3, and the Ways & Means committee Feb. 16, and awaits the Rules committee.

SB 5022's companion, HB 1118, did not receive a hearing, retains its producer responsibility system requirements, and remains in the House to possibly be considered again in the second year of the biennium, 2022.

Right to Repair: HB 1212, concerning the fair servicing and repair of digital electronic products, was heard in the House Consumer Protection & Business committee but did not move forward by the Feb. 15 policy committee cutoff. Right to Repair legislation has been introduced, but not passed, each year since 2017.

Wind turbine blade recycling: SB 5174, which would require manufacturers to finance the takeback and recycling of wind turbine blades, passed the Senate Environment committee, Ways & Means committee, and awaits the Rules committee. 

Solar stewardship delay: HB 1393, which would further delay by another two years, until 2025, the implementation of the photovoltaic module stewardship and takeback program (enacted in 2017), passed out of committee and awaits a House floor vote.

Safe Medication Return: HB 1161, which makes adjustments to the existing Safe Medication Return law that began statewide collection recently, passed out of committee and awaits a Rules vote.

Visit Zero Waste Washington to learn more about other legislation.