Electronics Recycling Bill Debated in Washington State

Last week the state of Washington’s House of Representatives passed ESHB 2488, which would mandate recycling of electronics in the state.

The bill, which is now in the Senate Natural Resources Subcommittee, declares that, except as provided in this act, by June 30, 2006, every manufacturer must develop, submit to the department, implement, and finance the implementation of a plan for the collection and recycling or reuse of twenty percent, by weight, of the covered electronic products sold by the manufacturer in Washington.

The House bill recently passed also requires that, by June 30, 2007, every manufacturer must increase the recycling and reuse of all covered electronic products ten percent, by weight, per year for five years.

The Senate Natural Resources Subcommittee will be holding public hearings on the bill Feb. 25, with more discussion possible the rest of the week.

According to a spokeswoman for the Washington Senate, any bill must be passed by the subcommittee by the end of February if it will be taken to the next step in the process.

Along with the mandates for increased recycling, the house bill also stipulates that all manufacturers submit an initial report to the department by May 1, 2007, and each May 1st thereafter.