Backers pitch House Bill 1607 as fix for litter and low recycling rates

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Supporters of House Bill 1607 on Friday urged lawmakers to approve a statewide recycling refund program they said would reduce litter, increase recycling rates and create a supply of clean material for manufacturers.

Representative Monica Stonier, who represents the 49th Legislative District in Vancouver, opened the event, saying the idea originated with a constituent and has grown into a legislative priority because Washington’s recycling rates “are much lower than they ought to be.” She cited current return figures of about 41% for aluminum and 27% for glass and said the bill responds to both environmental and industry needs.

Dylan DeThomas, representing the Coalition for High Performance Recycling (CHIPR), pointed to Oregon’s bottle bill as a working model and said high-performing refund laws can yield return rates of 80%–90%. “We have the nation’s oldest recycling reform bill,” he said, arguing that a refund program can bring beverage containers back into the circular economy and support new recycling investments.

Environmental and industry groups offered data meant to bolster the case. Heather Trim, executive director of Zero Waste Washington, cited Ecology’s 2020 waste characterization study and said roughly 36,000 tons of PET bottles and 9,000 tons of aluminum cans currently go to landfill in Washington. Trim also cited a poll of more than 800 registered voters she said showed about 75% support for the policy and referenced modeling that, combined with the 2025 recycling reform act, could raise recycling rates toward roughly 70% by 2032.

Josh McDonald, executive director of the Washington Wine Institute, said the wine industry backs HB 1607 because it would increase the supply of recyclable glass and reduce contamination that prevents curbside recycling from producing food‑grade glass. “As a Washington state wine industry, we…appreciate those,” McDonald said, urging passage.

Dante Payne, mayor of Olympia, said the plan would reduce municipal cleanup costs, protect waterways such as Budd Inlet and place program governance input with local governments through an advisory seat.

On operational details, DeThomas described a producer responsibility organization (PRO) that would manage redemption logistics and kiosks. He said containers consumed on site at hospitality venues would be exempt from the deposit and that grocers would not be required to process returns but would likely provide space for kiosks; the PRO would pay for those services. Asked about the deposit amount, DeThomas said HB 1607 sets a 10¢ deposit and noted other states’ deposits range from 5¢ to 15¢, with top-performing programs at 10¢.

On rural access, DeThomas said the bill requires a program plan and needs assessment — mandated under last year’s extended producer responsibility law — and review by a multistakeholder advisory council and Ecology to ensure convenience across urban and rural communities.

The press availability featured questions from attendees but did not include a legislative vote. Stonier said she intends to work with colleagues in both chambers to secure support for the bill. The event closed with no formal action taken at the press conference.