Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
SB 6168
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: Concerning school composting and recycling.
Sponsors: Senators Kuderer, Mullet, Hunt and Liias.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/20/18
Staff: Katie Choate (786-7296) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Washington cities and counties are responsible for regulating recycling and composting collection and disposal. Cities and counties are not required to directly provide these services due to a variation in waste service availability across the state. Each city and county is required to have a comprehensive solid waste management plan that includes, among other things, guidelines for the handling and proper preparation of materials for reuse or recycling and organic materials for composting or anaerobic digestion.
The Department of Ecology, the Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) must review local solid waste management plans. The WSDA reviews preliminary draft plans for compliance with state laws regarding insect, pests, and plant diseases. The UTC reviews preliminary draft plans to assess the cost of solid waste collection and its impacts on rates charged by regulated solid waste collection companies. Once approved, each local solid waste management plan must be reviewed and revised periodically.
The United States Department of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction encourage schools through their Green Ribbon awards to: (1) reduce environmental impact and costs; (2) improve the health and wellness of schools, students, and staff; and (3) provide effective environmental and sustainability education by incorporating science, technology, engineering and math, civic skills, and green career pathways.
The Washington Green Schools Program (Green Schools) is nonprofit organization that offers a certification system for schools. Green Schools provides educational resources to help school staff, students, and communities achieve sustainability goals. There are currently 514 participating schools in the state.
Summary of Bill:
All public schools are allowed to offer students the opportunity to recycle and to compost their food waste. School districts may provide on-site composting or may contract with the local waste management company. The state is permitted to provide free pickup of compost and provide composting supplies for all public schools as needed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.