Providing updates on our community projects, legislative campaigns, producer responsibility, and recycling.

In addition to holiday excitement, this is the time of year of intense preparation for the legislative session, which starts January 9. So far, there are 5 zero waste-related bills solidly in the works. They address recycling, compostable products, plastics, right to repair and batteries. And as you get outdoors this winter, check out gear swaps, rentals, repairs and "used." No need to spend tons of money for gear you need for outdoor winter fun. And better for the environment if you go zero waste...

In 1979, a determined group of activists organized to launch Initiative 61, a Washington State bottle bill (which followed an earlier effort in 1970).  While Initiative 61 failed to garner the votes needed, it inspired those involved to take action to strengthen recycling and reuse in Washington. The dedicated advocates continued meeting, and Washington Citizens for Recycling, today Zero Waste Washington, was born. In September 1982, the organization gained 501(c)(3) status. Through the years, staff and board worked with partners to pilot and test and advocate for cutting edge policies that have led the nation. From the passage of the 1989 Waste Not Washington Act that fostered curbside recycling, to the 1990s law requiring government agencies to use recycled materials, the 2006 E-Cycle Washington Program, the recent Medicine Return, PaintCare and plastic bag and Styrofoam bans, Zero Waste Washington and partners have been a catalyst for real change. Come help celebrate!

Furniture repair events are under way! Click through to find out more. And on the legislative front, this year’s short session was a sprint! In just 60 days, some bills make it but many don’t. We have great news, though. Representative Joe Fitzgibbon’s compost and food waste bill (HB1799) – one of the most comprehensive organics management policies in the nation – was signed into law on March 25.

It is exciting and daunting. The remaining zero waste-related bills (terrific bills!) need to get voted out of the House by 5 pm on February 15. These bills build on recent year initiatives to address reducing methane gas and increasing composting, recycling batteries, and gaining right to repair. Our big priority bill – the RENEW Act – did not make it this year. But other bills are still chugging forward.

This fall has been a flurry of stakeholder meetings working on bills for the 2022 Washington legislative session that begins on January 10. These bills build on recent year initiatives to address modernizing our recycling system, reducing methane gas, recycling batteries, and gaining right to repair..... READ MORE

Excitingly, on October 1, 2021, Washington’s single-use plastic bag ban will go into effect. Retailers will no longer hand out single-use, thin film plastic bags.  Customers may bring their own reusable bags, or pay an 8 cent charge for paper bags or reusable thicker plastic bags.... READ MORE