As of July 31, 2024, the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) has completed sending out violation notices for Post Consumer Recycled Content (PCRC) laws. These notices serve as formal warnings for non-compliance in two key areas.
First Violation Type: Registration, Reporting, and Labeling
Producers who failed to register, report, or label products according to the law’s requirements are subject to civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day, starting from the day they received their first violation notice. In August, in-store and online audits will be conducted to identify unregistered or improperly labeled products, with additional violation notices expected in early fall.
Second Violation Type: PCRC Minimum Requirements
Producers who did not meet the PCRC minimum requirements for plastic beverage containers and trash bags, as specified in their annual reports, have received violation notices and corresponding penalties.
Upcoming Changes
PCRC minimum requirements will gradually increase over the next 12 years. By 2036, all packaging must include at least 50% post-consumer recycled content, with trash bags required to include at least 20% by 2027. Household cleaning and personal care products have a starting requirement of 15%, increasing over time.
For more information and a list of registered producers, contact DOE’s Recycled Content Team.
