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AMERIPEN on Tuesday said it applauds Washington Governor Bob Ferguson for signing SB 5284, the Recycling Reform Act, into law. Ferguson signed the bill on May 17.<\/p>\n
The new law marks the seventh U.S. packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) statute and the culmination of a multi-year, collaborative effort led by Washington State Representative Liz Berry and Senator Liz Lovelett<\/a> and supported by AMERIPEN.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe Legislature\u2019s passage and Governor Ferguson\u2019s signature is a testament to what is possible when policymakers and packaging subject matter experts work together,\u201d said Lynn Dyer<\/a>, Executive Director of AMERIPEN. \u201cRep. Berry and Sen. Lovelett built a broad coalition to help advance this legislation, and the result is a law that is ambitious yet achievable.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Throughout the 2024\u201325 legislative cycle, AMERIPEN served as a technical resource for policymakers focused on sustainability, providing evidence-based recommendations that shaped multiple drafts of SB 5284 and informed the compromise language that reached the Governor\u2019s desk. Key AMERIPEN contributions included:\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs a lifelong advocate for responsible waste management, I\u2019m thrilled to see SB 5284 make it to the Governor\u2019s desk,\u201d said Senator Lovelett (D-Anacortes), the bill\u2019s sponsor. \u201cThis policy symbolizes years of deep policy work and a major step forward to ensure people across Washington\u2014urban and rural\u2014have access to inexpensive, quality recycling services.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cLike all parents, I\u2019m worried about the impact litter is having on our waters, our wildlife, and our little ones,\u201d added Representative Berry (D-Seattle), the House companion legislation\u2019s sponsor. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m thrilled to pass this landmark legislation that will incentivize companies to move towards more sustainable packaging and reduce plastic waste. The policy will increase recycling in Washington by 26% and make our recycling system more affordable, convenient, and equitable for all.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n AMERIPEN says it \u201cstands ready to support producers, local governments, recyclers, and community partners as Washington transitions from passage to successful implementation. The association will continue working with state and federal officials to harmonize emerging EPR laws, build resilient end markets, and ensure that packaging ful\ufb01lls its essential role while advancing circularity.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information about AMERIPEN, visit www.ameripen.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n