Washington State enacts REWRAP Act for plastic recycling reform

The Spokane City Council's recent Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board meeting highlighted significant changes in the state's recycling landscape, particularly through the newly passed REWRAP Act. This legislation aims to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste, which amounts to 400 million tons globally each year, with single-use plastics making up half of that total. In Washington State, a staggering 50% of consumer packaging and paper products end up in landfills or incinerators, while only 17% is recycled.

The REWRAP Act introduces an extended producer responsibility model, requiring manufacturers to take accountability for their packaging. This shift is expected to reduce unnecessary packaging, enhance recycling access, and standardize recycling practices across the state. Spokane's current recycling system, which costs the city $1.5 million annually to process recyclables, is under strain, especially as many smaller towns lack curbside recycling services.

During the meeting, officials discussed the challenges faced by Spokane's recycling program, including high contamination rates from multifamily residences and the rising costs associated with processing mixed plastics. The city collects about 17,000 tons of recyclables annually, but the financial burden falls on residents, as recycling costs are included in garbage rates.

The REWRAP Act aims to alleviate these financial pressures by establishing a producer responsibility organization that will oversee the reduction of non-recyclable materials and fund improvements to recycling programs. The goal is to increase curbside recycling access, particularly in rural areas, and potentially lower household recycling costs by up to 90%. However, some council members expressed skepticism about the feasibility of these projections.

Looking ahead, rulemaking for the REWRAP Act is set to begin in 2026, with full implementation expected by mid-2028. This timeline means that Spokane residents will need to wait for further details on how the new system will function and what specific benefits it will bring to the community. In the meantime, the city continues to address immediate concerns, such as the safe disposal of lithium-ion batteries, which pose fire risks and are not yet covered under the new legislation.

As Spokane navigates these changes, the community's engagement and adaptability will be crucial in shaping a more sustainable future.