HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5181

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Judiciary (originally sponsored by  Senator Tanner)

Prohibiting the dumping of trash in charitable donation receptacles.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (13)

      Signed by Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; Allen, Brekke, Ferguson, Jesernig, Lux, Pruitt, Schoon, D. Sommers, Sprenkle, Unsoeld and Walker.

House Staff:Susan Gulick (786-7116)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Charitable organizations often have receptacles to receive donations of items of value.  Litter and refuse is sometimes placed in these receptacles which must be separated from the valuable donations and disposed of properly.

SUMMARY:

It is unlawful to dispose of any trash, garbage or litter in or around a receptacle provided for donations to a charitable organization.  "Trash" is described as items that have deteriorated to the extent that they are no longer of monetary value or of use for the purpose they were intended.  The term "garbage" includes any organic matter.

The charitable organization must post a clearly visible notice on the receptacles informing the public of this prohibition and the penalties for violation.  The charitable organization must also post a general identification of the items which are appropriate for deposit in the receptacle.

Persons violating these provisions are guilty of a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, 90 days in jail or both.  In no event may the penalty be less than $50.  The charitable organization which maintains the donation receptacle may also seek to collect damages through a civil action.  For a second or subsequent violation, treble damages may be awarded, but in no event will damages be less than $200.

Fiscal Note:      No Impact.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Senator Tanner.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The high cost of garbage collection has resulted in persons dumping litter in containers of charitable organizations.  This bill is needed to protect donations to charitable organizations.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.