SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6578

BYSenators Metcalf, Anderson and Bailey

Providing for preferential procurement of recycled paper products.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 17, 1990; January 24, 1990

Majority Report:     That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6578 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

     Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; Benitz, Kreidler, Owen, Patterson, Sutherland.

Senate Staff:Atsushi Kiuchi (786-7708)

                January 26, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, JANUARY 24, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Solid Waste Management Reform Act of 1989 directs government agencies to take the lead in waste reduction and recycling activities.  A major contribution to this effort can be made by state agencies in the purchase of recycled paper products.

By increasing the use of recycled paper products, state agencies can stimulate the recycling market and reduce the state's solid waste stream.

SUMMARY:

Each agency shall review its purchase requirements and whenever feasible give preference to the purchase of recycled paper products.  A 10 percent preferential purchase price for recycled paper products is established.  The purchase of paper products containing a greater percentage of post-consumer waste must also be considered in the award of contracts.

Agency heads are authorized to print a symbol on their forms and other printed matter indicating the recycled nature of the paper.  The Department of General Administration is directed to revise its paper products procurement policies to meet a phased in schedule for procurement of recycled paper products, which starts in 1992.

The Department of Ecology shall adopt rules for:  (1) certification from recycled paper product producers in the state indicating the percentage of recycled paper content in their products sold to the state printer, all state agencies and educational institutions; and (2) reporting the amount and costs of recycled content paper used by all state agencies and educational institutions.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The Department of General Administration shall revise its procurement policies and practices for the purchase of recycled paper products without specific reference to stock or type of printed matter.  The "Printed on Recycled Paper" symbol shall be used at the discretion of the state agency head.  All recycled paper purchased by state agencies, the State Printer and educational institutions shall be certified by the producers indicating the recycled content.  Only the amount and costs of the recycled paper products purchased by state agencies and educational institutions, under their procurement contracts, will be reported to the Department of Ecology.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested January 15, 1990

Senate Committee - Testified:   Bill Alkire, Department of Ecology (for); Nancy Pearson, Washington Citizens for Recycling (for); David Block, Department of General Administration (for); Greg Wright, Washington State Recycling Association (for); Earl Pratt, Michelsen Packaging Co.