Washington's litter tax
We are considering legislation to modernize Washington’s litter tax to better reflect the types of litter found today. The current revenues generated by the litter tax cover the removal of only a fraction of the litter accumulating every year.
Washington currently levies a litter tax on manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of certain products commonly found in roadside litter (Chapter 82.19 RCW). There are currently 13 categories of product covered by the litter tax.
For manufacturers, the litter tax is 0.015% of the value of the covered products and by-products manufactured within the state. For wholesalers and retailers, it is 0.015% of the gross proceeds from the sale of covered products within the state.
This tax generates approximately $16 to $18 million per year for the Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Litter Control Account (WRRLCA).
Legislative Proposal to modernize the litter tax
Updating the litter tax will help reduce litter, protect our environment, and support community cleanup efforts statewide.
The 2022 Washington Statewide Litter Study estimated that 37.8 million pounds of litter accumulated statewide in 2022. The study also found that 47% of litter, by weight, that accumulates in Washington every year is not covered by the litter tax. Among the most frequently littered, untaxed materials are construction and demolition debris and vehicle and tire debris.
Ecology proposes updating RCW 82.19.020 to include new categories of litter-prone materials under the state’s litter tax, including construction materials and motor vehicle products.
Ecology is also considering an update to Chapter 70A.200 RCW to remove language regarding the “employment of youth,” to align the statute with modern program operations.
Frequently asked questions
Resources
Contact information
Julie Robertson
Senior Policy Planner, Solid Waste Management program
julie.robertson@ecy.wa.gov
360-763-2728