SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    HB 2633

         AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES,

                               FEBRUARY 24, 1992

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

SPONSORS: Representatives Rust, Horn, Valle, Heavey and J. Kohl

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Barr, Conner, Owen, Snyder, Sumner, and Sutherland.

Staff:  Ats Kiuchi (786‑7708)

Hearing Dates: February 24, 1992

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:

Local governments are required 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.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Local governments should work with private industry to provide for the recycling of moderate risk wastes instead of placing them into landfills where they pose threats to the environment.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Representative Nancy Rust, prime sponsor; Jim Eubanks, Arlington (pro)