Zero Waste Washington drives policy change for a healthy and waste-free world. We envision a just, equitable, and sustainable future where we all produce, consume, and reuse responsibly.
Photo above: Governor Jay Inslee signing the Organics Bill (HB2301), March 28, 2024
The 2024 legislative session was challenging, with many of the legislators up for re-election in November, big voter initiatives pending (more on those below), and more…. And yet, we had some big zero waste successes. With enormous thanks to our amazing legislative champions, our many terrific and hard-working partners, and your help, several big bills made it across the finish line, as well as some others we supported. Here is the recap.
Good news: Bills signed into Law
Organics (compost and food donation) (SB 6180)
Championed by Representative Beth Doglio and Senator John Lovick, the new Organics Law mandates compost collection (i.e., source separation of food scraps and yard waste) by single family residents in urbanized areas of the state starting in 2030! It also creates grant programs and a technical workgroup to help increase donation of edible food to food banks. Overall, it is critical that we get food waste out of the landfill so that it won’t rot and create methane gas and instead get it to hungry people or into compost bins creating needed healthy soils. See photo at the top of the page of Governor Inslee signing the bill on March 28.
Mercury light bulbs (HB 1185)
Representative David Hackney led the charge for a bill that bans general use mercury light bulbs starting in 2029 and extends our existing light-cycle law to 2035. This law will now be funded by manufacturers. It is important for these bulbs to be safely recycled because toxic mercury vapor in light bulbs can impact solid waste workers and others when they break. And by transitioning to LED bulbs residents and businesses will save energy and money.
Lead in cookware (HB 1551)
Led by Representative Pollet and supported by Public Health – Seattle & King County, this new law bans the sale of cookware containing lead or lead compounds at a level of more than five parts per million in or into Washington. Unfortunately, imported pots and pans from some countries contain high levels of lead which can leach into and contaminate food during cooking. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and applies to all cookware or cookware components.
UW DEOHS MS student Yoni Rodriguez tests an aluminum cookpot as part of a study about lead in imported cookware. At right is a typical Afghan pressure cooker. Photos: King County Haz Waste Program
Cannabis waste (SB 5376)
Sponsored by Senator Stanford, SB-5376 aims to reduce the amount of cannabis waste being sent to Washington landfills. This law allows cannabis cultivators and processors to sell their plant material with 0.3% THC or less to the general public by making compost or hemp products. Currently cannabis waste is required to be blended 50/50 with other materials such as kitty litter or sawdust when sent to the landfill which is expensive for growers and adds methane gas to the atmosphere.
Two other zero waste-related bills passed: HB2207, led by Rep. Ramos, updates the fines which can be levied for illegal dumping and now distributes restitution payment between the landowner where the waste was littered, and the law enforcement agency investigating the incident.
SB 5931, led by Sen. Salomon, addresses 6-PDD, the “forever chemical,” in motor vehicle tires. Replacement tires will now be added to Ecology’s Safer Products law. 6-PDD from tire particles that shed off of tires washed directly into streams and rivers where the chemical is linked to urban runoff mortality syndrome, a condition where Coho salmon die prior to spawning.
Not so good news: Bills that did not make it this year… (but will come back next year!)
The WRAP Act (HB 2049)
The Re-WRAP Act (HB 2049), championed by Rep. Liz Berry, advanced mightily with much negotiation…. but didn’t get off the House floor in the critical time crunch of the key cutoff. This comprehensive bill aims to modernize our recycling system in Washington. Look for this bill to return next January!
Right to Repair (SB 6276 / HB 1933)
Championed by Representative Gregerson and Senator Derek Stanford. This bill would require digital electronic product manufacturers, such as Apple and Microsoft, and manufacturers of wheelchairs, appliances, and tractors, to make repair information, parts and tools available to independent repair businesses and owners. Many other states have now passed versions of Right to Repair, including the latest – Oregon!
Refrigerant recycling (HB 2401)
Sponsored and led by Representative Beth Duerr, this bill would create a producer responsibility program for refrigerant gases, including a bounty to incentivize service technicians to capture and turn in the gas, rather than vent it to the atmosphere. These gases in HVAC systems, refrigerators, heat pumps and more, are much, much more potent greenhouse gases than CO2.
Other bills that we expect back in 2025 include EV Battery Recycling (SB 6319 / HB 2501) championed by Sen Derek Stanford and Rep. Chipalo Street, a Bottle Bill (HB 2144) led by Rep. Stonier, a bill aimed at improving Tire Efficiency (HB 2262/SB 6304) championed by Rep. Street and Sen. Liias, Promoting Organic Agriculture (SB 6278–) led by Sen. Liias, and Disclosure and Tracking of Fashion Impacts (HB 2068 / SB 5965) championed by Rep. Mena and Sen. Nguyen.
Thank you all for your help in moving important zero waste bills forward. If you have any questions, please contact Heather at heather@zerowastewashington.org.
Please join us for Zero Waste Washington’s Speaker Series: Zero waste at wildfire camps, Hannah Johnson, 5-6 pm, June 18 (zoom)
In response to massive wildfires across the Western US, large base camps where firefighters and management personnel work, eat, and sleep are established in rural communities. These sites have been the source of massive amounts of waste from both day to day management and food service operations. Hannah Johnson, Zero Waste Washington board member and founder of Perennial Zero Waste, has come to the rescue.
For the past five years, she and her team have gone in to U.S. Forest Service fire camps to set up full zero waste systems, including recycling, composting, and waste reduction. This work has centered around developing relationships with the local community businesses such as farmers, food banks, and recycling facilities to divert waste from landfills. The photos of before and after are amazing! They show piles and piles of throw-aways, and massive heaps of food waste (firefighters eat over 2000 calories per meal!). Through waste audits and a range of innovative and creative problem solving, Hannah and her team have helped to redirect over 600,000 lbs of waste from landfills while making sure our vital firefighters are well taken care of.
Perennial Zero Waste also designs and executes zero waste events and works with large corporations to implement zero waste programs and achieve USGBC certifications such as LEED and TRUE.
Details:
- Zero Waste Speaker Series: Zero waste at wildfire camps, Hannah Johnson
- Tuesday, June 18, 5-6 pm
- Via zoom
- RSVP (event is free, please rsvp to receive zoom link): https://wildfireshannahjohnson.bpt.me
Questions: Please contact Michelle at michelle@zerowastewashington.org
Hannah Johnson will be the first speaker in our 2024 Zero Waste Speaker Series. Our fall speakers will be announced in our summer newsletter. Stay tuned!
We need you.
Zero Waste Washington’s commitment to tackle the tough waste, recycling, plastics, toxic chemicals and consumption issues is stronger than ever. Together with all of our members and partners, we work tirelessly to drive policy change for a healthy and waste-free world. You can help us reach our goals in 2024 and beyond!
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By Michelle Alten-Kaehler, Membership Coordinator
As a child, Aline Bloch spent time at her grandmother’s home in the French countryside of Champagne. The remote stone farmhouse, surrounded by agricultural fields, was far from a village. There was no baker. No butcher. No grocer. “It was in the middle of nowhere,” Bloch explains. One morning each week she woke to hear the toot of a little truck, announcing its arrival as it rumbled down the road. She scurried out the front door to find her grandmother purchasing groceries from a merchant, who pulled steaks, vegetables, and farm-fresh milk from his shop on wheels. Bloch was captivated!
Out of the Box comes to you
Years later, here in Washington, concerned about waste and single-use plastic, Bloch had an idea: she could have her own little truck. She started Out of the Box, a mobile refillery that delivers sustainable home and personal care products, refilled into customers’ bottles. Today Bloch and other entrepreneurs are providing ways to help you reduce your plastic-packaging footprint.
With her plucky white van, Bloch delivers her eco-friendly products, ranging from toothpaste tablets to body washes to laundry and hand soap. Customers place their orders online, then put their reusable bottles at the door for refilling, or they purchase reusable containers. Bloch also has a pop-up shop on Front Street in Issaquah until the end of June. She also offers parties that g