According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wind power is the second-largest contributor to Washington's renewable electricity generation.  As of 2021, the state had almost 3400 megawatts of wind-powered capacity.  The state's largest wind farm, which came online in 2012, is along the Snake River in southeastern Washington and has a capacity of about 343 megawatts.

Wind turbine blades have an expected 20-year lifespan and are typically made of steel, plastic, and fiberglass materials.  They vary in size, but a typical modern land-based wind turbine has blades over 170 feet.

The Washington State University Extension Energy Program must conduct a study on the feasibility of recycling wind turbine blades installed in facilities in Washington that generate electricity for customers in Washington.

The study must include information and recommendations on:

• the cost, feasibility, and environmental impact of various disposal methods for wind turbine blades including, but not limited to, options for reuse, repurposing, and recycling;
• the availability of wind turbine blade recycling and processing facilities in Washington and other states;
• potential incentives for the creation of wind turbine blade recycling facilities in Washington;
• various mechanisms for establishing recycling requirements, or recycled content standards, for wind turbine blades;
• considerations and options for the design of a state-managed product stewardship program; and
• the feasibility of including all wind turbine blades installed in Washington in a recycling program, including blades that are currently installed.

    
A report of findings must be submitted to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2023.