SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8002

BYSenators Metcalf, Sutherland and Benitz

Requesting a Western States Recycling Coalition.

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 19, 1989; January 25, 1989

Majority Report:     Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Atsushi Kiuchi (786-7708)

                March 14, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Solid waste management is a national priority.  Reduction of the waste stream through recycling is one of the major elements of any solid waste management plan.

State and local governments face increasing disposal costs due, in part, to the widespread use of materials and products with no readily available and environmentally acceptable means of disposal.  Individual states have formed coalitions and are successfully exploring and resolving solid waste issues on a broader, more comprehensive, regional perspective.

A regional coalition may encourage and enhance regional approaches to increase recycling and reuse of containers and packaging.  Such a coalition can seek uniformity of regulations and some "pooling" of markets for greater economic returns to the industry as well as the individual recycler.

SUMMARY:

The memorial requests the states of Alaska, Oregon, California, Idaho and Washington to send delegates to the National Conference of State Legislatures in August at Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the purpose of forming a Western States Recycling Coalition.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    none requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   Nancy Pearson, LOWV (for); Terry Husseman, Department of Ecology (for); George Stiles, Washington Recycling Association (for); Christine Gregoire, Department of Ecology (for)