The Department of Ecology (Department) oversees the Photovoltaic Module Stewardship and Takeback Program (Program).  Under the Program, manufacturers implement a self-directed program to ensure the convenient, safe, and environmentally sound takeback and recycling of photovoltaic modules and their components and materials.

Each manufacturer must prepare and submit a stewardship plan to the Department by the later of July 1, 2022, or within 30 days of its first sale of a photovoltaic module in or into the state.  The stewardship plan must:

• describe how manufacturers will finance the takeback and recycling system;
• accept all of the manufacturer's photovoltaic modules sold in or into the state after July 1, 2017;
• describe how the program will minimize the release of hazardous substances and maximize the recovery of other components;
• provide for takeback of photovoltaic modules;
• identify how relevant stakeholders will receive information; and
• establish performance goals.

Beginning April 1, 2024, and by April 1 in each subsequent year, each manufacturer, or its designated stewardship organization, must provide to the Department a report for the previous calendar year that documents implementation of the plan and assesses the achievement of performance goals outlined in the stewardship plan.

Beginning July 1, 2023, no manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or installer may sell or offer for sale a photovoltaic module in or into the state unless the manufacturer of the photovoltaic module has submitted to the Department a stewardship plan and received plan approval.

Each manufacturer must prepare and submit a stewardship plan by July 1, 2024, rather than July 1, 2022, or within 30 days of its first sale of a photovoltaic module in or into the state, whichever occurs later.

Beginning April 1, 2026, rather than April 1, 2024, and by April 1 in each subsequent year, each manufacturer, or its designated stewardship organization, must provide to the Department a report for the previous calendar year that documents implementation of the plan and assesses the achievement of performance goals outlined in the stewardship plan.

Beginning July 1, 2025, rather than July 1, 2023, no manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or installer may sell or offer for sale a photovoltaic module in or into the state unless the manufacturer of the photovoltaic module has submitted to the Department a stewardship plan and received plan approval.