HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2633

                       As Passed House

                      February 18, 1992

Title:  An act relating to local hazardous waste plans.

Brief Description:  Requiring local governments to encourage use of privately owned moderate‑risk waste facilities.

Sponsor(s):  By House Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Rust, Horn, Valle, Heavey and J. Kohl).

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Environmental Affairs, February 4, 1992, DP;

Passed House, February 18, 1992, 98-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 12 members:  Representatives Rust, Chair; Valle, Vice Chair; Horn, Ranking Minority Member; Edmondson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bray; Brekke; G. Fisher; J. Kohl; Neher; Pruitt; D. Sommers; and Sprenkle.

Minority Report: Without recommendation.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Van Luven.

Staff:  Rick Anderson (786-7114).

Background:  A number of private facilities in the state provide services to collect and recycle certain types of moderate-risk wastes. 

Moderate risk wastes are hazardous wastes that are generated in small quantities, less than 220 lbs per month.  Examples of moderate-risk waste include antifreeze, used oil filters, and "household hazardous wastes" such as the discarded containers of pesticides, cleaners, paints, and solvents.  Moderate-risk wastes are exempt from hazardous waste laws.

Local governments are required by law to establish a program to manage moderate risk wastes.  Local governments have initiated a wide variety of programs to collect moderate risk waste; these programs range from collection vehicles with established routes to annual or semi-annual collection days.  Current law also requires local governments to coordinate with private facilities involved in managing moderate risk waste.

Summary of Bill:  The bill requires local governments to take certain actions to incorporate private sector management of moderate-risk waste if the local government determines that a private facility offers an acceptable service at a reasonable price.  Actions that a local government can take include, but are not limited to, restricting or prohibiting the land disposal of a moderate risk waste.

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 24, 1992.

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

Testimony For:  The private sector should help local governments manage moderate-risk wastes whenever possible.   HB 2633 will help keep certain types of moderate-risk wastes, such as oil filters, out of landfills by encouraging private recycling.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Jane Ginn, Hart Crowser (pro); Llewellyn Matthews, Northwest Pulp and Paper Association (pro); Paul Parker, Washington State Association of Counties (pro); George F. Tyler (pro); and Jim Eubanks (pro).