Enacting waste and recycling legislation

Laws from the 2025 session 

House Bill 1154: Solid Waste Handling Facilities 

HB 1154 amends the Solid Waste Management law (chapter 70A.205 RCW) to grant new enforcement authority to jurisdictional health departments and Ecology over solid waste facilities. It also requires Ecology approval of all landfill permits issued after Aug. 1, 2027. 

Ecology will conduct rulemaking to update chapter 173-350 WAC and chapter 173-351 WAC for the purpose of implementing this law.  

Contact 
Marni Solheim 
marni.solheim@ecy.wa.gov
 

House Bill 1293: Concerning Litter 

HB 1293 increases the penalty for littering in an amount less than or equal to one cubic foot from a class three to a class two civil infraction. This bill also amends the single-use plastic bag ban (chapter 70A.530 RCW) by delaying the increase in minimum thickness for reusable plastic film bags until Jan. 1, 2028, and adding a 4-cent penalty, on top of the 12-cent pass-through charge, for any 4 mil plastic film carryout bag sold between Jan. 1, 2026, and Dec. 31, 2027.  

To find out more about these changes, or to report a violation, visit Ecology’s plastic bag ban webpage.  

Contact 
Plastic bag ban mailbox 
bagban@ecy.wa.gov  

Carolyn Bowie 
carolyn.bowie@ecy.wa.gov
 

House Bill 1497: Improving Outcomes for Organics 

HB 1497 establishes collection bin, lid, and label requirements for jurisdictions and solid waste companies, requires local jurisdictions to include a program for multifamily residential organic collection services in solid waste management plans, and outlines fines, penalties, and processes for enforcement action. HB 1497 also requires jurisdictions to grant waivers to residents and businesses who manage organics with equal or better environmental outcomes than placing organics in a curbside collection bin. 

Ecology will be developing a methodology to determine the businesses required to manage organic materials in accordance with RCW 70A.205.545. To find out more about organics management in Washington, visit Ecology’s Organic Management law webpage.   

Contact 
Organics management team 
organics@ecy.wa.gov

Alli Kingfisher 
alli.kingfisher@ecy.wa.gov
 

Senate Bill 5033: Sampling or Testing Biosolids for PFAS 

SB 5033 amends chapter 70A.226 RCW to include perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) chemical sampling and analysis of certain biosolids using EPA method 1633. By July 2026, Ecology will publish PFAS biosolids sampling guidance to clarify requirements, including frequency of sampling, and will provide technical assistance to facilities during the sampling and reporting period.  

Ecology will analyze the data received from facilities and compile a summary report of the levels of PFAS found in biosolids generated and/or land-applied in Washington state. While drafting the report, Ecology will use the analysis and consult with an advisory committee to develop recommended next steps. This report will be made available to the legislature and public.   

To find out more about Ecology’s implementation timeline, visit the PFAS in biosolids legislation webpage.   

Contact 
Emily Kijowski 
emily.kijowski@ecy.wa.gov
 

Senate Bill 5175: PV Modules 

SB 5175 amends the photovoltaic module stewardship and takeback program (chapter  70A.510 RCW) to delay certain plan submittal and reporting dates. It also changes the date by which solar panel manufacturers must have an approved stewardship plan in order to sell their panels in or into Washington, from July 1, 2025, to Jan. 31, 2031.  

Subject to appropriation, Ecology will establish an advisory committee to engage interested parties and develop recommendations to resolve issues with the law. Ecology will report to the legislature with recommended changes to the law by Dec. 1, 2028. Visit Ecology’s solar panels webpage for more information.  

Contact 
Brett Rude 
brett.rude@ecy.wa.gov  

Senate Bill 5284: Recycling Reform Act 

SB 5284 establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for consumer packaging and paper products in Washington (chapter 70A.208 RCW). Producers of consumer-packaged goods must join and fund a producer responsibility organization (PRO), which will fund collection and processing of residential packaging and paper products, starting in 2030.  

The law establishes an advisory council responsible for reviewing PRO activities and advising on implementation. The law requires Ecology to submit several reports to the Legislature. Find out more about the requirements of this law by visiting Ecology’s Recycling Reform Act webpage and subscribing for email updates. 

Contact 
Recycling Reform Act team 
recyclingreform@ecy.wa.gov  

Dan Weston 
dan.weston@ecy.wa.gov