SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5480

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.

Background: The Department of Transportation (DOT) and local government entities are not required to recycle construction aggregate or concrete materials under existing statute. DOT does recycle construction aggregate and concrete materials and uses the material in limited circumstances, but DOT does not measure the quantity of construction aggregate and concrete materials recycled or the amount that is sent to landfills.

Summary of Bill: DOT, Washington State construction associations, and local government entities must adopt a goal of recycling 70 percent of construction aggregate and recycled concrete materials in state and local transportation and infrastructure projects by 2020. Beginning in January 2016, the same entities must recycle a minimum of 25 percent construction aggregate and concrete materials. These entities must develop criteria and incentives for reuse and recycling of construction aggregate and recycled concrete materials. Beginning in January 2016, and until 2020, DOT, the construction associations, and local government entities must report to the Legislature on progress toward meeting the requirement of recycling 70 percent of construction aggregate and recycled concrete materials in state and local transportation and infrastructure projects by 2020.

By 2016, local government entities with jurisdiction over a public works transportation or infrastructure project must adopt standards as developed by DOT for the use of recycled materials as shown in DOT's standard specifications for road, bridge, and municipal construction. Any local jurisdiction within a county with a population of less than 100,000 must adopt DOT recycling standard specifications for road, bridge, and municipal construction and establish recycling strategies to reuse construction aggregate and recycled concrete materials for infrastructure projects within its jurisdiction.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: DOT continues to use and expand the use of recycled concrete aggregate and recycled concrete. Using recycled materials can lead to lower project costs. There is a good supply of recycled materials and there is demand for more recycled concrete. This establishes a priority to recycle construction aggregate and a timeline to accomplish an intended outcome. Material is running out of stockpile space and will need to be sent to landfills as the state's preservation needs increase. The practice of recycling is sustainable and more environmentally friendly than landfilling.

OTHER: Concerns that asphalt materials were not included as a material that needs to be recycled. The cost of hauling construction aggregate to a recycling center can be cost prohibitive for small, remote local jurisdictions. Recycled aggregate has a high pH level. Counties are trying to maintain roads at the lowest possible cost, but rural counties will have a difficult time keeping costs down with the high cost of hauling. Cities are concerned with a reporting requirement for 281 different cities.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Duke Schaub, Associated General Contractors of WA; Matthew Hinck, CalPortland; Bruce Chattin, WA Aggregates & Concrete Assn.; Jimmy Blais, Gary Merlino Construction; Steve Read, Seattle Public Utilities, Civil Engineer Supervisor; Jeff Carpenter, DOT, Director of Construction; Mike Armstrong, Construction and Demolition Recycling Assn.

OTHER: Gary Rowe, WA State Assn. of Counties; Alison Hellberg, Assn. of WA Cities.