FINAL BILL REPORT

ESHB 2399

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 Description: Prohibiting and prescribing penalties for engaging in, or advertising to engage in, solid waste collection without a solid waste collection certificate.

Sponsors: House Committee on Ecology & Parks (originally sponsored by Representatives Upthegrove, Rodne, Finn, Armstrong, Rolfes, Haler, Driscoll, Chase, Morrell, Maxwell, Simpson and Hudgins).

Background:

The collection of solid waste for compensation is regulated by the state. Solid waste includes garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, swill, sewage sludge, demolition and construction wastes, abandoned vehicles, and source separated recyclable materials. A solid waste collection company must be certified by the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) before it can start operation. Solid waste collection companies include any person transporting solid waste for compensation, except septic tank pumpers.

The UTC is authorized to issue a cease and desist order should a person operate as a solid waste collection company without the necessary certification. A person who violates the solid waste collection law is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Summary:

Operation as a solid waste collector is clarified to include advertising, soliciting, offering, or entering into an agreement to provide a solid waste collection service. A solid waste collection company must be certified for operation by the UTC before it may engage in, or advertise to engage in, solid waste collection.

Each advertisement reproduced, broadcast, or displayed constitutes a separate violation and is subject to the established penalties for a gross misdemeanor.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	97	0
Senate	44	0