Title: An act relating to a waste reduction and recycling awards program in K-12 schools.

Brief Description: Regarding private schools' participation in a waste reduction and recycling awards program.

Sponsors: By Senators Fraser, Morton, Regala and Delvin.

Brief History:

Select Committee on Environmental Health: 2/21/08, 2/25/08 [DPA].

Floor Activity:

Passed House - Amended: 3/4/08, 93-0.

HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Campbell, Chair; Hudgins, Vice Chair; Sump, Ranking Minority Member; Hunt, Morrell, Newhouse and Wood.

Staff: Ashley Pedersen (786-7303).

Background:

The Department of Ecology's (DOE) Office of Waste Reduction has administered a waste reduction and recycling awards program since the early 1990s. This program, designated the Terry Husseman Sustainable Public School Awards program (awards program), offers financial awards to schools that achieve notable waste reduction and recycling successes. The awards program is open to all public schools, grades kindergarten through 12. It is not open to private schools. The awards program is administered by the DOE with some support from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Awards are meant to support school programs that focus on reducing waste, increasing recycling, and reducing threats from toxins.

Summary of Amended Bill:

Private schools may participate in the DOE waste reduction and recycling awards program and implement waste reduction and recycling programs. Through the awards program, the DOE must encourage waste reduction and recycling in private schools.

Private schools participating in the awards program are eligible to receive awards in amounts up to $5,000. Five or more awards may be granted to the three classes of participating schools. The three classes are based on various considerations such as student population and distance to markets for recyclable materials. Single awards of not less than $5,000 may be granted to the school that has the best recycling program and to the school that has the best waste reduction program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Amended Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This is citizen request legislation. There is no reason why private schools should not be eligible for recycling grants from the DOE. Recycling is an excellent cause for children to participate in with the anticipation that they might be able to receive an award. Most importantly, this awards program will increase recycling, support schools, and recognize them for their green actions. Any school that has implemented a waste reduction and recycling program should have the opportunity to apply for an award. These schools are educating future adults on the importance of being environmentally friendly and recycling for a better tomorrow.

(With concerns) The statute is written so that the awards must be given out in high dollar amounts. This limits the number of schools that can receive funds. The statute should be amended to provide more flexibility to the DOE so that more schools may receive awards.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Senator Fraser, prime sponser; Senator Morton; and Jenny Hallengren.

(With concerns) Laurie Davies, Department of Ecology.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.