Washington department assesses recycled content mandate for plastic packaging

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 5022 into law in 2021 in an effort to reduce plastic pollution and improve recycling in the state.

According to the Washington Department of Ecology, SB 5022 requires producers of many common products sold in plastic packaging to register with the department by April 1 of each year, pay annual fees and include a minimum amount of recycled plastic in product packaging.

According to the Washington Department of Ecology, SB 5022 requires producers of certain product categories to include a minimum amount of postconsumer recycled content (PCRC) in trash bags and plastic packaging containers.

The Washington Department of Ecology has requested the public to review and comment on a proposed rule that would establish the agency’s oversight and enforcement of procedures for the PCRC portions of SB 5022, including the agency’s method for calculating producer fees. Comments can be made online.

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The comment period gives the public the opportunity to participate in a process that will establish key processes and provide clarity to help affected producers comply with the law. The department also will host two online public hearings June 8 and June 15 for attendees to ask questions and learn about the rule.  

The public review and comment period ends July 1. The department plans to review all input on the proposed PCRC rule and publish responses in the fall and the PCRC rule will take effect Jan. 1, 2024.