SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1309

As of March 14, 2013

Title: An act relating to directing state investments of existing litter tax revenues under chapter 82.19 RCW in material waste management efforts without increasing the tax rate

Brief Description: Directing state investments of existing litter tax revenues under chapter 82.19 RCW in material waste management efforts without increasing the tax rate.

Sponsors: House Committee on Environment (originally sponsored by Representatives Upthegrove, Short, Magendanz, Nealey, Morris, Walsh, Takko, McCoy, Liias, Springer, Pollet and Kagi).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/06/13, 89-8.

Committee Activity: Energy, Environment & Telecommunications: 3/14/13.

Staff: Jan Odano (786-7486)

Background: A tax is imposed on businesses whose products, including the packaging, wrappings, and containers are reasonably related to the litter problem in the state. The types of products that fall under this tax include beer, cigarettes, soft drinks, newspapers and magazines, glass containers, metal containers, and household paper and paper products.

The revenues from the litter tax are allocated to the Department of Ecology (Ecology). Ecology is the coordinating agency between organizations assisting in waste reduction, litter control, and recycling as well as with state agencies and local governments that receive funding for litter control and recycling activities.

Of the funds in the litter tax account, 50 percent are for use by Ecology, the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Corrections, Department of Transportation, and the Parks and Recreation Commission for litter collection programs. The Department of Revenue also receives a small portion of the revenue for administering the funds in the account. These funds are also used for a biennial litter survey, statewide public awareness programs, and to defray local government administration costs so they can apply all of their funding to achieve program goals.

Of the litter tax revenues, 20 percent goes to local governments for waste reduction, litter control, and recycling activities. The remaining 30 percent of the funds goes to Ecology for waste reduction and recycling efforts.

In addition to litter control and recycling activities, Ecology must encourage and organize voluntary local waste reduction, anti-litter, and recycling campaigns; search for available funding for litter control programs; conduct a biennial statewide litter survey; and provide a summary of all waste reduction, litter control, and recycling efforts.

In 2010, the litter crews organized through state and local agencies picked up 3.8 million pounds of litter.

Summary of Bill: Ecology must coordinate the use of the litter tax funds for recycling, composting, and litter collection, reduction, and control programs with a priority given to the products taxed under the litter tax.

Of the 50 percent of the funds provided to Ecology and other agencies for litter collection programs, the agencies must use these funds to support employment of youth in litter cleanup and for litter pickup by other authorized agencies.

From the 20 percent of the funds to local governments, Ecology must create a matching fund competitive grant program. The grant program must provide funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations for public education programs, litter reduction, recycling, and composting of the taxed products. A grant may not exceed $60,000 and the recipient must provide a match equal to 25 percent of the eligible expenses. The grants are contingent on the availability of money appropriated. The local government programs must also include composting.

The use of the 30 percent of the funds to Ecology are specified for implementation waste reduction, litter control, and recycling activities; technical assistance to local governments for commercial business and residential recycling and composting programs for taxed products; and increased access to composting and recycling programs for food packaging and plastic bags.

Any funds unused by state agency litter control programs or other waste reduction, recycling, and composting activities may be applied to the competitive matching grant program.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: It is important to structure the uses of the tax and how the tax is spent. The funds should go to the intended purposes of the tax; litter pickup of the products taxed. It is important to use the funds for the intended purposes of the taxpayers, who chose to be taxed for this program. The funds are also used for curbside recycling programs and cleaning up illegal dumping. We need to keep a nexus for the taxes being paid to the reasons for it. The account has been attractive to help with general fund efficiencies. The funds should not be diverted for other purposes.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Carolyn Logue, WA Food Industry Assn.; Laurie Davies, Ecology; Mark Johnson, WA Retail Assn.; Holly Chisa, NW Grocery Assn.