SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Recycling Reform Act, SB 5284, which aims to update the state's recycling system, has been approved by the Washington State House of Representatives. The law seeks to encourage recycling of products placed in curbside bins and minimize needless packaging. The bill also suggests funding statewide collection services.

Prior to being signed into law, the House-amended bill will now be sent back to the Senate for a concurrence vote.

Washington would become the eighth state to enact Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation for packaging if the bill were ultimately approved. Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, Maryland, British Columbia, and Minnesota are among the states that have already put the EPR program into place. By 2030, Washington intends to completely adopt EPR.

It is anticipated that the new law will increase recycling accessibility throughout Washington. Currently, curbside recycling is only available in around 58% of Washington's jurisdictions. Furthermore, eleven counties do not offer curbside recycling at all. As a result, most paper and packaging trash ends up in landfills, wasting valuable materials that could be turned into items that may be used again.

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