Senate Bill 5502, sponsored by Senator June Robinson (D-38), and its companion, House Bill 1607, introduced by Representative Monica Stonier (D-49), aim to establish a beverage container refund program similar to Oregon’s bottle recycling initiative. SB 5502 received a hearing in the Senate Environment Committee on Wednesday, during which WR provided testimony.
WR, in collaboration with its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Workgroup, has worked extensively with stakeholders to refine the bill’s language. The goal is to ensure the program can be implemented effectively while minimizing legal challenges and mandates. One key addition to the bill is the following provision:
“While retail establishments may choose to host a redemption site, nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to create a legal obligation on the part of a retail establishment to either accept a returned covered beverage container or allow a redemption site to be sited at a retail establishment.”
Concerns have been raised about the potential impacts of a beverage container refund program on other packaging recycling initiatives currently under consideration, such as HB 1150 and SB 5284.
WR has also highlighted the challenges posed by a patchwork of state-specific laws. For multi-state retailers, complying with varying regulations across states is complex, costly, and burdensome. Since retailers source products for all stores nationwide, a federal solution would be far more practical. WR has emphasized that Washington represents only 2% of the U.S. market, underscoring the need for lawmakers to consider broader implications.
WR will continue collaborating with bill sponsors and stakeholders to ensure that any adopted program is consumer-friendly and feasible for retailers to implement.
