FINAL BILL REPORT

2SHB 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.

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 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 that would make it available for reuse.

Summary:

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 that require repair may be refurbished by a registered collector at the collector's place of business. A registered collector may use parts taken from products collected under the plan but the remaining parts must be recycled under the plan. Repair may include new parts or used parts from computers they collect on a part-for-part exchange.

Collectors may not be compensated by the plan for products they take for reuse. They must maintain records of the sales and donations of reused computers for three years.

Collectors must display notice at the point of collection that computers may be repaired and resold or donated rather than recycled.

The Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority, another authorized party, or the Department of Ecology may conduct site visits to registered collectors to ensure that computers taken for repair and reuse comply with the requirements of the electronic product recycling law.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	96	0
Senate	47	0