SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5687

                            AS OF FEBRUARY 15, 1991

Brief Description:  Banning the sale and disposal of disposable diapers.

SPONSORS:Senators Wojahn, Talmadge, Moore and Pelz.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES

Staff:  Atsushi Kiuchi (786‑7708)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

In 1989, the Center for Policy Alternatives reported  approximately 18 billion single use diapers, weighing 4 million tons, are discarded each year in the United States.

Disposable baby diapers cause both environmental and health problems.  Four states enacted legislation to reduce or limit their use in 1990:  Maine, California, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The disposal of disposable diapers into landfills adds to the state's solid waste stream.  The improper disposal of disposable diapers pose health problems, increasing risks of viral or bacterial infections.

SUMMARY:

"Disposable diapers" are defined as those designed, marketed or intended for one-time use.

No person may sell, or offer to sell, or dispose, or offer to dispose, disposable diapers as of July 1, 1992.

After January 1, 1996, disposable diapers may not be accepted in landfills or disposal sites.  A phase-in schedule will be developed and an earlier effective date for the ban in landfills may be established.

Local solid waste plans shall be amended to include provisions for the phase-in schedule.

Local health departments shall review plans and permits and inspect sites for compliance with the disposable diapers ban. 

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 15, 1991

Effective Date:  Sections 1 through 4 take effect July 1, 1992.  Sections 5 through 8 contain an emergency clause and take effect immediately.