Products required to meet recycled content minimums
Washington's recycled content law (Chapter 70A.245 RCW) sets minimum post-consumer recycled content (PCRC) standards for specific products. This page explains which products are subject to the law and provides detailed information about compliance requirements.
Covered product refers to all the types of products that must meet the minimum recycled content and reporting requirements, regardless of the time at which those requirements take effect.
Learn more about covered products by watching Part 1 of our recorded presentation series.
Plastic trash bags
Examples
Standard household trash bags
Heavy-duty trash bags
Scented trash bags
Yard waste bags
Small or bathroom trash bags
Odor-resistant trash bags
Compactor bags
Specialty bags (e.g., Pet waste bags)
Contractor bags
Gauge Definition
Description: The gauge refers to the thickness of the plastic material used in the trash bag.
Measurement: In mils (thousandths of an inch) or microns (one-millionth of a meter).
Gauge requirement: A minimum thickness of 0.70 mils.
Bag Material
Description: The main body of the trash bag, which holds the waste.
Bag Walls
Description: The sides of the trash bag that contain and support the waste.
Seams
Description: The areas where the sides and bottom of the bag are joined together.
Bottom Gusset (if applicable)
Description: An expanded base that increases space and adds stability to the bag.
Closure
Description: The top opening of the bag is designed to be sealed to contain waste securely
Drawstring or Handles (if applicable)
Description: Drawstrings are used to securely close the bag, while handles help with lifting and transporting.
Included
If your trash bags fit into these categories, they're covered by Washington's recycled content law:
Non-compostable trash bags: This includes garbage bags, recycling bags, lawn or leaf bags, can liner bags, kitchen bags, and compactor bags. If it's used for waste in households, businesses, or industrial settings, it's likely covered.
Plastic pet waste bags: These are included as long as they're non-compostable and at least 0.70 mils thick.
Labeling requirements: Trash bags must follow additional labeling rules outlined in RCW 70A.245.060.
Bags marketed for waste or recycling: Even if a waste bag is sold inside a larger bag as its packaging, it's still considered a covered product.
Not included
Some bags don't fall under the law:
Compostable trash bags: If they meet Washington's degradability standards (Chapter 70A.455 RCW), they're not covered.
Specialized plastic bags: Bags designed for biomedical or dangerous waste must meet content requirements but are exempt from labeling rules.
Compostable bags must:
Meet the ASTM standard specification D6400.
Meet ASTM standard specification D6868 or be comprised of wood.
Meet labeling requirements according to the Federal Trade Commission guides.
Feature labeling that is distinguishable on quick inspection to both the public and processors.
Attain and label products with 3rd party certification that meets the ASTM standards.
Use green, beige, or brown labeling or other design features that differentiate the bag from non-compostable bags.
Biomedical bags are used for waste that poses a serious health risk and must meet strict guidelines for handling. These include:
Animal waste: This covers carcasses, body parts, or bedding from animals infected with dangerous microorganisms.
Infectious human or animal waste: Blood, excretions, or any material from animals or humans quarantined for pathogens classified as biosafety level 4 by the CDC and NIH.
Cultures and lab waste: This includes specimens, live or attenuated vaccines, and anything in contact with these materials.
Human blood and blood products: Any discarded blood, plasma, or related materials fall into this category.
Pathological waste: This includes human tissues or parts removed during surgery or autopsy.
Sharps waste: Items like needles, syringes, or other sharp objects that could puncture and are contaminated with biohazards.
Proper use of biomedical bags ensures the safe containment of hazardous materials, protecting both people and the environment.
Plastic beverage containers
A beverage is any liquid product intended for human or animal consumption, sold between two fluid ounces and one gallon.
Examples
Water
Sparkling water
Flavored water
Carbonated soft drinks (Soda)
Non-carbonated soft drinks
Fruit juices
Nectars
Juice blends
Vegetable juices
Plant-based milks
Coffee
Tea
Alcoholic beverages
Energy drinks
Sports drinks
Fruit smoothies
Body
Description: The main part of the container that holds the beverage.
Composition of containers: Plastic beverage containers are rigid bottles and other containers made from one or more types of plastic resins.
Shape: It can vary in shape and size depending on the type of beverage and design.
Neck
Description: The top portion of the bottle where the body narrows before the cap.
Features: Often has threads or a smooth surface to accommodate the closure.
Requirement: Only sealed plastic beverage containers are subject to these requirements.
Shoulder
Description: The transition area between the body and the neck.
Features: Provides structural support to the container and helps guide the beverage when pouring.
Label area
Description: The space on the container where labels or branding information is applied.
Features: Often a flat or slightly contoured area designed for easy application of labels.
Beverage types: Beverages include liquids with added supplements, such as Vitamin C. The exclusion for dietary supplements only applies when the product lacks a "Nutrition Facts" label and only has a "Supplement Facts" label.
Base
Description: The bottom part of the container that provides stability and support.
Features: These can include structural reinforcements or indentations to enhance stability and strength, allowing the covered plastic container to stand stably on the shelf with a base.
Animal beverages
Animal beverages cater to hydration, health, and nutritional needs. They are designed to support animals' health, hydration, and well-being in various life stages and conditions. They are labeled with a nutrition facts box. If labeled as dietary supplements with a supplement facts box, these products are not included.
Examples
Pet water enhancers
Electrolyte solutions
Milk replacers
Specialty beverages (non-alcoholic dog or cat beer)
Animal nutritional drinks
Herbal teas for pets
Beverage concentrates
Beverage concentrates are drinks in a concentrated form that must be diluted with water or another liquid before consumption. Beverage concentrates packaged in plastic containers are not covered products.
Examples
Juice Concentrates
Soda Syrups
Energy Drink Syrups
Iced Tea Concentrates Cold
Brew Coffee Concentrates
Refillable containers
We do not include containers designed for reuse in a refillable system.
Parts and accessories
We exclude caps, corks, closures, and labels.
Specialized containers
We do not include containers specifically for medical, prescription drug, or dietary purposes.
Pouches and bladders
We exclude pouches or bladders used to contain dairy milk.
Plastic household cleaning & personal care products
Household Cleaning and personal care products are the second category of covered products required to begin incorporating and reporting on PCRC minimum percentages. Beginning in 2025, they must incorporate at least 15 percent recycled content.
Household cleaning and personal care product containers range from eight ounces (or equivalent volume) to five gallons (or equivalent volume). They can hold various products, from solids to powders and liquids.
Body
Description: The main part of the container that holds the cleaning product.
Container composition: This includes bottles, jugs, and other rigid containers made from one or more types of plastic resins.
Neck
Description: The top portion of the bottle where the body narrows before the cap or dispensing mechanism.
Features: Often has threads or a smooth surface to accommodate the closure.
Label Area
Description: The space on the container where labels or branding information is applied.
Features: Often a flat or slightly contoured area designed to apply labels easily.
Base
Description: The bottom part of the container that provides stability and support.
Features: These can include structural reinforcements or indentations to enhance stability and strength, allowing the covered plastic container to stand stably on the shelf with a base.
Neck
Description: The area just below the lid is typically narrower than the body, allowing the lid to be secured.
Features: Can be threaded to accommodate a screw-on lid or a smooth area where the lid contacts the jar or tub to create a seal.
Requirement: Tubs and jars are considered covered products if they have a neck smaller than the base.
Shoulder
Description: The area where the neck meets the body, often sloped.
Features: Helps in the transition between the neck and the body, often adding to the structural integrity of the jar.
Body
Description: The main section of the tub or jar that holds the contents.
Features: Typically wide and cylindrical or slightly tapered.
Size: Covered plastic jars and tubs range from eight ounces to five gallons.
Container composition: This includes tubs, jars, and other rigid containers made from one or more types of plastic resins.
Label area
Description: The body section where labels or branding are applied.
Features: Often flat or slightly curved for easy application and visibility of labels.
Base
Description: The bottom part of the tub or jar that provides stability.
Features: Flat or slightly indented to allow the container to stand upright securely. Sometimes, it includes structural elements for added strength and balance.
Tubes are covered products if they have a neck smaller than their base, maintain their shape when empty, and range in size from eight ounces to five gallons.
Orifice
Description: The hole through which the product is dispensed.
Features: Typically round but may be slotted or pointed for specific applications.
Shoulder
Description: The tapered area between the body of the tube and the cap leading up to the orifice.
Features: The shape can vary and is often designed to help the product flow toward the orifice.
Body
Description: The main cylindrical portion of the tube that holds the product.
Features: Designed to be flexible, allowing users to easily dispense the product by squeezing.
Composition of containers: Plastic beverage containers are rigid tubes made from one or more types of plastic resins.
Label area
Description: The space on the container where labels or branding information is applied.
Features: Often a flat or slightly contoured area designed to apply labels easily.
Base
Description: The top part of the tube seals the opening, preventing the contents from spilling or drying out.
Features: A hinged cap that flips open for easy dispensing and snaps shut to seal the tube. A cap that twists on and off, providing a secure seal.
Household cleaning products
Household cleaning products refer to products designed to clean, freshen, or remove unwanted substances from household possessions, surfaces, textiles, and environments. These include soaps, detergents, polishes, stain removers, and textile or carpet cleaners.
Examples
All-purpose cleaners
All-purpose cleaners
Glass and window cleaners
Bathroom cleaners
Floor cleaners
Kitchen cleaners
Carpet and upholstery cleaners
Oven and grill cleaners
Mold and mildew removers (unless they claim to disinfect, in which case they are EPA-regulated)
Drain cleaners
Stainless steel cleaners
Air fresheners
Pet cleaners
Institutional products
Products marketed exclusively for institutional settings, such as off-market cleaners, are not covered by the recycled content law.
Household products in commercial settings
However, household cleaning products used in commercial and institutional settings are covered if they meet the packaging shape, capacity, and other requirements set for household and personal care product containers.
Products for both professional and consumer use
Products marketed for both professional and consumer use are considered covered products under the law.
Examples
Heavy-duty degreasers
Disinfectant cleaners
Industrial floor cleaners
Wax strippers and polishes
Ammonia-based glass cleaners
Carpet shampoos
Stain removers
Mold and mildew removers
Grout cleaners
Industrial drain cleaners
Commercial oven cleaners
Bleach solutions
Industrial air fresheners
Quat-based sanitizers
Air cleaners and air fresheners cover products designed for fabrics and other surfaces, including fabric refreshers and air freshener sprays. Aerosols packaged in plastic containers are exempt.
Examples
Odor-eliminating sprays
Fabric deodorizers
Carpet and upholstery fresheners
Multi-surface deodorizers
Room and fabric mists
Linen sprays
Furniture fabric refresher sprays
Wrinkle remover spray
We include products that clean or care for fabrics or other surfaces, such as odor removers soiled by pets. This category also covers products used for cleaning pets, like shampoos and freshening products, as part of household cleaning products.
Examples
Pet stain removers
Pet bedding fresheners
Pet odor eliminators
Pet shampoo
Litter box cleaners
Pet disinfectants
Pet grooming wipes
Pet disinfectants
Pet disinfectants
Waterless bath spray
Pet products that wouldn't be included under household cleaning products are not primarily intended for cleaning or maintaining hygiene. These products typically serve other functions such as nutrition, health care, or enrichment.
Examples
Pet food and treats
Pet beds and bedding
Pet health supplements
Pet medications
Pet training products
Therefore, these products are not designed for cleaning or hygiene purposes and do not qualify as household cleaning products.
The classification of a product as a personal care item depends on both the type of container and the product inside. If the product is applied to the skin or hair and the container meets specific criteria, it must comply with personal care product regulations. For example, hair gel, though a cosmetic, falls under this definition.
Examples
Acne concealers
Basic cleansing soaps
Body scrubs and exfoliants
Body washes and shower gels
Cosmetic mouthwash
Cosmetic toothpaste
Deodorants (non-antibacterial)
Hair bulking product
Hair styling products
Lip balms (non-medicated)
Moisturizing creams and lotions
Perfumes and fragrances
Mouthwash
Shampoo and conditioner
Styling product
Suntan lotion
Temporary exclusion for cosmetics
If using recycled resin in a cosmetic product would conflict with federal regulations, producers can request a temporary exclusion from Washington's PCRC minimum requirements. This exclusion must be requested annually and should include an explanation of how federal regulations impact the product.
To obtain the exclusion, producers must:
Annually register and report (if applicable) the total amount of resin in the product.
Pay the fees associated with the weight of resin in the excluded products.
Show annually that the product continues to qualify for the exclusion from PCRC minimums.
Apply for temporary exclusion within the Waste Reduction Portal via SAW.
Products regulated as drugs under the federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. Sec. 301, et seq., are exempt. This includes over-the-counter or non-prescription drugs with non-prescription drug qualities.
Examples
Anti-aging creams
Anti-bacterial deodorant soap
Anti-cavity toothpaste
Anti-dandruff shampoo
Anti-gingivitis mouthwash
Anti-infective soap
Antiperspirants
Dermatological anti-acne products
Hair regrowth products
Medicated lip balms
UV-protectant sunscreen
Plastic wine containers
Small 187-milliliter plastic wine bottles are not required to meet post-consumer recycled content standards until 2028 when they must start incorporating at least 15 percent recycled content.
Body
Description: The main part of the container that holds the beverage.
Composition of containers: Plastic wine containers are rigid bottles and other containers made from one or more types of plastic resins and are limited in size to only 187-milliliter containers.
Requirement: Only sealed plastic wine containers are subject to these requirements.
Neck
Description: The narrower part at the top of the container leading to the opening.
Features: Often designed with threads for a screw cap or other closure type, allowing for a secure seal to maintain freshness.
Shoulder
Description: The transition area between the body and the neck.
Features: Provides structural support to the container and helps guide the wine during pouring.
Label area
Description: The space on the container where labels or branding information is applied.
Features: Often a flat or slightly contoured area designed for easy application of labels.
Base
Description: The bottom part of the container that provides stability and support.
Features: These can include structural reinforcements or indentations to enhance stability and strength, allowing the covered plastic container to stand stably on the shelf with a base.
Plastic dairy milk containers
Covered dairy containers hold beverages made primarily or exclusively from the milk of one or more milk-producing animals. These plastic containers range in size from two fluid ounces to one gallon and include both "ready-to-drink" products and those intended for business-to-business sales.
Examples
Milks
Buttermilk
Yogurt drinks
Kefir
Creamers
Half-and-half
Eggnog
Condensed milk
Whipping creams
Neck
Description: The narrower portion at the top of the container that leads to the opening.
Features: Often includes threads for screwing on a cap, providing a secure closure. The neck design helps with easy pouring and helps prevent spills.
Shoulder
Description: The area where the container's body transitions to the neck.
Features: Adds structural integrity to the container.
Handle (if applicable)
Description: An integrated grip area, usually molded into the side of the container.
Features: It provides an easy and secure way to hold and pour the milk, particularly in larger containers like gallon jugs.
Body
Description: The main part of the container that holds the milk.
Features: Typically rectangular or cylindrical, designed to maximize space efficiency in refrigerators.
Composition of containers: Plastic beverage containers are rigid bottles and other containers made from one or more types of plastic resins.
Label area
Description: The surface of the container where branding, nutritional information, and other details are printed or attached.
Features: Typically flat or slightly curved, designed to hold adhesive labels securely without peeling.
Beverage types: Beverages include liquids with added supplements, such as Vitamin D. The exclusion for dietary supplements only applies when the product lacks a "Nutrition Facts" label and only has a "Supplement Facts" label.
Base
Description: The bottom of the container that provides stability.
Features: Often slightly indented or reinforced to ensure the container stands upright and is stable during storage and transport.
Exempt products
Not all products are covered under Washington's recycled content law. If your product falls into one of these categories, it is fully exempt from registration, reporting, fees, PCRC minimums, and labeling requirements:
Medical and dietary products
This includes medical foods, devices, dietary supplements, and baby formula. Prescription and non-prescription drugs regulated by the FDA are also exempt.
Note: Dietary supplements must have a "Supplement Facts" box (not "Nutrition Facts") and may include vitamins, minerals, and herbs.
Aerosol containers
Products packaged in plastic aerosol containers are not covered by the law.
Specialty plastic bags
Plastic trash bags specifically for biomedical waste are exempt.
Reusable systems
Products designed for reuse (e.g., refillable containers) do not need to comply with these requirements.
Accessories to containers
Items such as liners, caps, corks, closures, and labels that are separate from the main container are excluded.
Beverage pouches
Flexible pouches used for drinks are not subject to the recycled content law.
If you're unsure whether your product qualifies for an exemption, check the details in RCW 70A.245 or reach out to us.
