SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5181

BYSenator Tanner

Prohibiting the dumping of trash in charitable donation receptacles.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 12, 1987; February 18, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5181 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; McCaslin, Nelson, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:Lidia Mori (786-7461)

                  February 18, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, FEBRUARY 18, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Charitable organizations provide receptacles for donations of items of value.  Concern exists that people are utilizing these receptacles as convenient containers for their refuse.  The charities are then required to dispose of the litter in a proper manner, which is both very expensive and time consuming.

SUMMARY:

It is a misdemeanor to dispose of any trash, garbage or litter in or around a receptacle provided for donations by a charitable organization.  The fine for such a violation will be not less than $50 for each offense.

The charitable organization must post a clearly visible notice on the receptacles informing the public of this prohibition and the penalties for its violation.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

"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 general identification of the items which are appropriate for deposit in the receptacle.

When a person violates the provisions of this section, the charitable organization which maintains the donation receptacle may 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:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Joe Tanner; Susan Robles, Portland Goodwill Industries; Ginny McCormac, Seattle Goodwill Industries