Newsletters

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.

And find out about upcoming tour and speaker series and much more!

Many people describe a “short” legislative session in Olympia, which is 60 days long, as a sprint.  And it sure feels that way with pretty much a constant feeling of intensity, focus, urgency, panic, exhilaration… you name it! Yesterday, we hit the first big cutoff when policy bills had to be voted out of their policy committee. Happily, a bunch of zero waste bills made it and are moving into financial committees.

Find out about status of zero waste bills and the upcoming legislative tea…

Big kudos to the City of Shoreline for passing an ordinance in August requiring restaurants and coffee shops to provide durable foodware for customers who are dining on-site, and compostable foodware for to-go orders. This supports waste reduction goals in Shoreline’s Climate Action Plan. Shoreline joins the cities of Bellingham, Burien, and Bainbridge Island which have recently passed similar ordinances.

Find out about zero waste weddings, our new farm waste project, and the upcoming holiday party…

Back-to-School with less waste

Each August, as the school year approaches, Washington students and families embark on treasure hunts for shiny new pens, colorful binders, and eye-popping backpacks. College freshmen and returning students seek out furniture, cookware and, of course, bed linens. Now, clever new programs and innovative products are making it easier for students and parents to swap the expensive back-to-school shopping spree for a more sustainable, earth-conscious approach.

Big Battery Bill Passes!

With the 2023 Washington State legislative session completed and just a few bills left for the governor to sign, we want to fill you in about how the zero waste bills fared. Legislative work occurs year-round with on-going policy development and stakeholder outreach, and it all comes to a crescendo on the final day of session, which was April 12 this year. Thank you to all of our terrific partners and to all of you for making this year another success.

This is a newsletter full of requests for help from you! See below for needed help with office work party, phthalates sample prep, furniture repair and more! And, especially, we need your help to let your legislators know that you want them to vote yes on the zero waste bills, and not let them be weakened by amendments! We are in a critical week – all of the zero waste bills must be voted out of their house of origin by 5 pm on March 8. We have a wonderful lineup of bills that are in play….

The holidays are here… and, yes, this is the time of year of intense preparation for the legislative session, which starts January 9. So far, there are 5 zero waste-related bills solidly in the works. They address recycling, compostable products, plastics, right to repair and batteries.

And as you get outdoors this winter, check out gear swaps, rentals, repairs and “used.” No need to spend tons of money for gear you need for outdoor winter fun. And better for the environment if you go zero waste…

In addition to holiday excitement, this is the time of year of intense preparation for the legislative session, which starts January 9. So far, there are 5 zero waste-related bills solidly in the works. They address recycling, compostable products, plastics, right to repair and batteries.

And as you get outdoors this winter, check out gear swaps, rentals, repairs and “used.” No need to spend tons of money for gear you need for outdoor winter fun. And better for the environment if you go zero waste…

In 1979, a determined group of activists organized to launch Initiative 61, a Washington State bottle bill (which followed an earlier effort in 1970).  While Initiative 61 failed to garner the votes needed, it inspired those involved to take action to strengthen recycling and reuse in Washington. The dedicated advocates continued meeting, and Washington Citizens for Recycling, today Zero Waste Washington, was born. In September 1982, the organization gained 501(c)(3) status. Through the years, staff and board worked with partners to pilot and test and advocate for cutting edge policies that have led the nation. From the passage of the 1989 Waste Not Washington Act that fostered curbside recycling, to the 1990s law requiring government agencies to use recycled materials, the 2006 E-Cycle Washington Program, the recent Medicine Return, PaintCare and plastic bag and Styrofoam bans, Zero Waste Washington and partners have been a catalyst for real change.

Come help celebrate!

Furniture repair events are under way! Click through to find out more.

And on the legislative front, this year’s short session was a sprint! In just 60 days, some bills make it but many don’t. We have great news, though. Representative Joe Fitzgibbon’s compost and food waste bill (HB1799) – one of the most comprehensive organics management policies in the nation – was signed into law on March 25.

It is exciting and daunting. The remaining zero waste-related bills (terrific bills!) need to get voted out of the House by 5 pm on February 15. These bills build on recent year initiatives to address reducing methane gas and increasing composting, recycling batteries, and gaining right to repair. Our big priority bill – the RENEW Act – did not make it this year. But other bills are still chugging forward.

This fall has been a flurry of stakeholder meetings working on bills for the 2022 Washington legislative session that begins on January 10. These bills build on recent year initiatives to address modernizing our recycling system, reducing methane gas, recycling batteries, and gaining right to repair….. READ MORE

Excitingly, on October 1, 2021, Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban will go into effect. Retailers will no longer hand out single-use, thin film plastic bags.  Customers may bring their own reusable bags, or pay an 8 cent charge for paper bags or reusable thicker plastic bags…. READ MORE

Legislative action is fast and furious with many zero waste bills, and we are excited that you will soon (April 1!) be able to recycling your leftover paint. Please come to our annual legislative tea on March 7…. READ MORE

Legislative action is fast and furious with many zero waste bills, and we are excited that you will soon (April 1!) be able to recycling your leftover paint. Please come to our annual legislative tea on March 7…. READ MORE

We are excited to invite you to our annual Waste Summit (November 30) and to let you know about the success of “bring your own container” code update, upcoming legislative session and more… READ MORE

Our summer newsletter is coming out just as we’re heading into fall. We delayed publication because we want you to know about two exciting events that just got scheduled: the Recycle BC Product Stewardship Virtual Tour (October 27) and the first Zero Waste Hackathon and Innovation Waste Summit (November 30). READ MORE

“Bring your own container” rules moving forward By Elisabeth Archer, Waste Reduction Strategist Important changes allowing people to “bring your own container” as part of the state’s Food Safety Rules have been under consideration for the past year. The State Board of Health had originally been scheduled to vote on the new rules in March.…