SENATE BILL REPORT

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 Summary of Bill

Allows public schools to offer students the opportunity to compost their food waste and to recycle.
Permits the state to provide free pickup of compost and provide supplies such as bins and compost bags.

Background: Recycling and composting are regulated by local governments. Each county and city is required to make a comprehensive 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 Department of Ecology, the Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) must review local solid waste management plans. WSDA reviews preliminary draft plans for compliance with state laws regarding insect pests and plant diseases. 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.

Summary of Bill: All public schools may offer students the opportunity to compost their food waste. School districts may provide on-site composting or contracting out with the local waste management company.

All public schools may offer students the opportunity to recycle.

The state may 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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill encourages school districts to offer composting and recycling, so school districts can implement these programs on their own timelines and opt in. This bill is a first step and could lead to requiring school districts to offer composting and recycling in the future. Composting and recycling at school has many environmental and educational benefits. Composting can help reduce greenhouse gases and help agriculture. Much of the garbage produced at school can be recycled or composted. Schools can save money by composting and recycling because it costs less than garbage collection. Schools can use onsite composting in school gardens, which engages students and helps them to develop healthy habits. Composting and recycling programs will save money and the environment.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Patty Kuderer, Prime Sponsor; Michael Dawson, Lake Washington High School; Samuel Dorsay, Lake Washington High School; Erin Kelly, Lake Washington High School; Sajeenaa Jebanathan, Lake Washington High School; Millen Katyal, Lake Washington High School.