Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 1781

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: Requiring composting and recycling in public schools.

Sponsors: Representatives Kloba, Lovick and Macri.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires public schools to offer students the opportunity to recycle and to compost food waste.

  • Requires the state to provide compost supplies and pickup of compost free of charge to public schools.

Hearing Date: 3/14/17

Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).

Background:

Recycling and composting are regulated by local governments. Each county, in cooperation with the cities located within the county, is required to create a solid waste management plan that includes, among other things, handling and proper preparation of materials for reuse or recycling and organic materials for composting or anaerobic digestion. The plan must also include waste reduction strategies and programs to educate and promote the concepts of waste reduction and recycling.

The Department of Ecology, the Department of Agriculture (Agriculture), and the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) must review local solid waste management plans. Agriculture reviews preliminary draft plans for compliance with state laws regarding insect pests and plant diseases. The UTC reviews preliminary draft plans and advises on solid waste collection cost impacts on rates charged by regulated solid waste collection companies. Once approved, each local solid waste management plan must be reviewed and revised periodically.

Summary of Bill:

All public schools must offer students the opportunity to compost their food waste. School districts must have the choice to either provide on-site composting or contracting out with the local waste management company. The state must provide free pickup of compost and provide supplies such as bins and compost bags for all public schools that do not currently have the pickup and supplies needed.

All public schools in the state must offer their students the opportunity to recycle.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.