SENATE BILL REPORT

 

                                    HB 2633

 

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 24, 1992

 

 

Brief Description:  Requiring local governments to encourage use of privately owned moderate‑risk waste facilities.

 

SPONSORS: Representatives Rust, Horn, Valle, Heavey and J. Kohl

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

 

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

 

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Barr, Conner, Owen, Snyder, Sumner, and Sutherland.

 

Staff:  Ats Kiuchi (786‑7708)

 

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1992

 

 

BACKGROUND:

 

A number of private facilities in the state provide services to collect and recycle certain types of moderate-risk wastes. 

Moderate-risk wastes are hazardous wastes that are generated in small quantities, less than 220 lbs per month.  Examples of moderate-risk waste include antifreeze, used oil filters, and "household hazardous wastes" such as the discarded containers of pesticides, cleaners, paints, and solvents.  Moderate-risk wastes are exempt from hazardous waste laws.

 

Local governments are required by law to establish a program to manage moderate-risk wastes.  Local governments have initiated a wide variety of programs to collect moderate-risk waste; these programs range from collection vehicles with established routes to annual or semi-annual collection days.  Current law also requires local governments to coordinate with private facilities involved in managing moderate-risk waste.

 

SUMMARY:

 

Local governments are required to take certain actions to incorporate private sector management of moderate-risk waste if the local government determines that a private facility offers an acceptable service at a reasonable price.  Actions that a local government can take include, but are not limited to, restricting or prohibiting the land disposal of a moderate-risk waste.

 

Appropriation:  none

 

Revenue:  none

 

Fiscal Note:  none requested

 

TESTIMONY FOR:

 

Local governments should work with private industry to provide for the recycling of moderate risk wastes instead of placing them into landfills where they pose threats to the environment.

 

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

 

TESTIFIED:  Representative Nancy Rust, prime sponsor; Jim Eubanks, Arlington (pro)