H-3661              _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 1415

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1988 Regular Session

By Representatives Patrick and Brough

Read first time 1/15/88 and referred to Committee on Environmental Affairs.

AN ACT Relating to environmental protection; adding a new section to chapter 70.95 RCW; creating a new section; and prescribing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that the use of nonrecyclable, nonbiodegradable plastic rings, loops, and devices to store, carry, and transport a variety of containers has damaged the environment and has adversely impacted fish and wildlife species because of the continued existence of these items in the environment for extended periods of time.  The legislature further finds that laws of other states which prohibit the use of such devices and require the use of only those rings which break down upon exposure to the natural elements have been effective in reducing the impact of said devices on the environment and wildlife.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 70.95 RCW to read as follows:

          (1) No person may sell at retail or offer for sale at retail within this state any container which is packaged with loops or devices which are:

          (a) Made, used, or designed for the purpose of transporting, packaging, or carrying multipackaged cans, bottles, or other containers;

          (b) Of a size, shape, design, or type capable, when discarded, of becoming entangled with fish or wildlife; and

          (c) Not made of naturally degradable material.

          (2) As used in this section, "naturally degradable material" means a material which, when discarded, will be reduced to environmentally benign subunits under the action of normal environmental forces, including but not limited to biological decomposition, photodegradation, and hydrolysis.

          (3) A violation of subsection (1) of this section is a misdemeanor punishable in accordance with RCW 9A.20.021.  Each day of violation is a separate offense.