HB 1799 - DIGEST
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Requires all state-funded public agency facilities including learning institutions to recycle their end-of-life mercury-added general purpose lights.

Requires all commercial, industrial, and retail facilities and office buildings to recycle their end-of-life mercury-added general purpose lights.

Prohibits certain sales or purchases and deliveries of bulk mercury, including sales through the internet or sales by private parties.

Requires the department of ecology to: (1) Participate in national and global mercury forums to advocate reduction of global emissions and permanent isolation of elemental mercury;

(2) In consultation with the United States environmental protection agency, study the feasibility of the development of a national repository for mercury;

(3) In consultation with the solid waste advisory committee created under RCW 70.95.040, conduct research and develop recommendations for the implementation and financing of a convenient and effective mercury-added general purpose light recycling program for residents, small businesses, small government agencies, charities, and schools throughout the state;

(4) Consult with stakeholders, including persons who represent retailers of mercury-added general purpose lights, waste haulers, mercury-added general purpose light recyclers, mercury-added general purpose light manufacturers, cities, counties, environmental organizations, public interest organizations, and other interested parties that have a role or interest in the recycling of mercury-added general purpose lights;

(5) Assess ways for a convenient and effective statewide recycling program for mercury-added general purpose lights to be established and financed;

(6) Consider alternatives that utilize the infrastructure and system established in chapter 81.77 RCW (solid waste collection companies) when developing collection systems for general purpose mercury-added lights; and

(7) Develop a description of what could be accomplished voluntarily and what would require the adoption of rules or legislation if needed to implement the recommended statewide recycling program for mercury-added general purpose lights.