SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2570

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Sprenkle, Walker, Fraser, Pruitt, May, G. Fisher, Brekke, R. King, R. Meyers, Spanel, Winsley, Todd, Rasmussen and Cooper)

Requiring the department of ecology to develop a waste reduction, recycling, and procurement plan for state agencies.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Metcalf, Chairman; Amondson, Vice Chairman; DeJarnatt, Kreidler, Owen.

Senate Staff:Atsushi Kiuchi (786-7708)

                  February 21, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES, FEBRUARY 20, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Solid Waste Management Reform Act of 1989 directed local and state agencies to take the lead in waste reduction, recycling and procurement activities to reduce the state's growing solid waste stream. 

Local governments were directed to develop a waste reduction and recycling component to their comprehensive solid waste management plans.  The Department of Ecology was directed to provide technical assistance, review and approve these plans.  Deadlines were established.

The Department of General Administration was directed to review its policies and guidelines in their bid awarding process for procurement of products made of recycled materials and those that could be recycled after use.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Ecology shall develop a waste reduction, recycling and procurement plan for all state agencies and local governments.  Implementation begins six months after the plan is completed.

Local governments are encouraged to adopt the state plan or a similar plan of their own.  Counties with a population of 100,000 or more, cities with a population of 10,000 or more, and school districts within these counties or cities shall report on the status of their plans to the Department of Ecology annually. 

The Department of General Administration shall appoint a task force, including representatives from local government and school districts, to assist in the development of the plan. 

The procurement plan shall include:  federal guidelines to promote and stimulate markets for recyclable products; guidelines for yard waste; a weighting factor to evaluate bids; and guidelines for other recycled or recyclable commodities.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENTS:

The Department of Ecology shall develop a waste reduction, recycling and procurement plan for state agencies.  The department shall survey counties with populations of 100,000, cities with populations over 10,000 and school districts within these counties and cities every two years to identify how they are utilizing their plans.  The first survey results will be available after June 30, 1991 and repeated every two years thereafter.

To enhance the procurement of recycled products, the Department of Ecology shall identify and eliminate discrimination, whenever economically feasible, against the procurement of recycled paper.  Specifications shall require recycled paper products to contain the greatest percentage of post consumer wastes when contracts are awarded.

The Department of General Administration should revise its recycled paper products' procurement policies and practices to achieve the following purchasing goals:  January 1, 1992, at least 30 percent; January 1, 1994, at least 35 percent; January 1, 1996, at least 40 percent; January 1, 2000, at least 50 percent.

Senate Committee - Testified: Kathleen Collins, Association of Washington Cities (pro); Randy Scott, Washington State Association of Counties (pro); Terry Husseman, Department of Ecology (pro); Beverly Jacobson, Seattle Area Hospital Council