Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Environmental Health Committee

HB 1522

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Allows registered collectors to make minor repairs to computers they collect under an electronic product recycling plan and sell or donate them for reuse.
Requires a registered collector to report the number of products they repair for reuse to the Department of Ecology.

Background:

Beginning in 2009, a program was implemented that provides free recycling of computers, monitors, laptops, and televisions for households, charities, small businesses, school districts, and small governments. The recycling program is funded by manufacturers of these products. All manufacturers currently participate in the standard recycling program under the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority. Products may not be sold in Washington unless the manufacturer participates in an approved plan.

The Department of Ecology (DOE) adopted rules to implement the plan and set performance standards for those who collect, transport, and process products covered by the plan.

Under the rule, collectors who participate in the plan must be registered as collectors and they must submit what they collect under the plan for recycling. They are compensated for products they collect and submit for recycling. Collectors may take fully functional products and components for reuse rather than recycling. If products are taken for reuse, collectors may not receive compensation for them under the plan. This provision of the rule has been interpreted to exclude repair of a unit making it available for reuse.

Summary of Bill:

Collectors under a recycling plan must be registered and must submit the products they receive to the plan except for fully functional products. Products in working order may be sold or donated for reuse.

Computers and related products that require minor repair may be refurbished within the state by a collector. A collector may use parts taken from products collected under the plan but the remaining parts must be recycled under the plan.

Collectors may not be compensated by the plan for products they take for reuse. They must report the number of products sold or donated to the DOE, and, if more than 10 units are sold or donated to a single person or business, then the report must include the name, address, and quantity sold or donated.