HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2390

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                    Environmental Affairs

Title:  An act relating to recycling vending machine product containers.

Brief Description:  Requiring recycling receptacles near vending machines.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Valle, Horn, Rust, Pruitt, Bray, J. Kohl, Brekke, Edmondson and Carlson.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Environmental Affairs, January 31, 1992, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; Horn, Ranking Minority Member; Edmondson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bray; Brekke; G. Fisher; J. Kohl; Neher; Pruitt; and Van Luven.

Staff:  Harry Reinert (786-7110).

Background:  Under the priorities established by the Legislature for management of solid waste in Washington, waste reduction is designated as a "fundamental strategy of solid waste management."  The same policy statement provides that "It is the responsibility of every person to minimize his or her production of wastes and to separate recyclable or hazardous materials from mixed waste."  After waste reduction, recycling is the top priority for the collection, handling, and recycling of solid waste.

In the 1991 legislative session, measures were enacted to require new commercial buildings to include space for recyclables and to require recycling in at least 15 state parks by July 1, 1993.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The owner or operator of a vending machine located on a passenger ferry or in a highway rest area must make provision for recycling cans and bottles dispensed by the vending machine.  The machine owner or operator may either provide the recycling services or may enter into an agreement with others to provide these services.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The original bill required recycling services for all vending machines, regardless of location.  The original bill also required a written agreement between the owner of the machine and an entity providing recycling services for the machine owner.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  (Original Bill): Cans from vending machines are frequently collected by employees who work in the building where the machine is located.  Many vending machines are located in areas where there is no security.  Vandalism is a problem in these places and recycling containers will probably be stolen.

Witnesses:  Dave Michener, Washington Soft Drink Association (con, original bill); and Brian Charneski, Washington Soft Drink Association (con, original bill).