SB 6533-S2 - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 2ND SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares that a person may not knowingly dispose of mercury-added products in any manner other than by recycling the product or disposing of the product as hazardous waste.

     Provides that, no later than January 1, 2003, the department, in consultation with the Washington hospital association and other interested and affected parties, must develop plans for mercury purchase and use at health care facilities.

     Requires the department to develop a planned strategy for the elimination of mercury from the environment.

     Requires the department of ecology to: (1) Study issues relating to the collection and recycling of mercury-added products, including options for manufacturer responsibility for those products; and (2) prepare a report to the appropriate legislative committees specifying what mercury-added products currently have cost-effective, nonmercury alternatives that are readily available.