SB 5124 - DIGEST

Requires that, no later than one year after the effective date of this act, every manufacturer listed under the act must develop a plan for ensuring that their products that contain mercury are properly collected, transported, and recycled. The plan must: (1) Identify either an existing or new collection system through which the used products can be returned for recycling or disposed of as hazardous waste; and

(2) Identify a funding mechanism through which the manufacturer will fund the collection system.

Provides that, effective January 1, 2004, no person may sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale or use in this state a mercury-added novelty. A manufacturer of mercury-added novelties must notify all retailers that sell the product about the provisions of this act and how to properly dispose of any remaining mercury-added novelty inventory.

Provides that, effective January 1, 2004, no person may sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale or use in this state a thermometer that contains mercury.

Provides that, effective January 1, 2006, no person may sell, install, or reinstall a commercial or residential thermostat that contains mercury.

Declares that no person may sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale or use in this state a motor vehicle manufactured after January 1, 2006, if the motor vehicle contains an automotive mercury switch.

Provides that effective January 1, 2004, a health care facility may not purchase mercury manometers.

Requires the department of general administration to, by January 1, 2004, revise its rules, policies, and guidelines to implement the purpose of this act.

Declares that a violation of this act or any rule adopted under this act is punishable by a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars for each violation in the case of a first violation. Repeat violators are liable for a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars for each repeat violation. Penalties collected under this section must be deposited in the state toxics control account created in RCW 70.105D.070.