Zero Waste Washington

Zero Waste Washington is championing a responsible and comprehensive approach to the “stuff” we use and the resources that go into making it. We have been the catalyst for breakthrough recycling programs and legislation in Washington for over 30 years.           

In recent years, Zero Waste Washington has focused on producer responsibility as a tool to decrease toxicity in products and increase recycling. With this approach, manufacturers are responsible for the products they make from cradle-to-cradle, including providing and paying for responsible recycling. When manufacturers pay to recycle the products they make, they have a financial incentive to design products that last longer, contain fewer toxics, and are easier to recycle. A great example of producer responsibility is the successful E-Cycle Washington program, which provides free and convenient recycling of computers and televisions to residents, schools and small businesses.

Zero Waste Washington works to advance producer responsibility policy and programs in Washington. We currently are focusing on toxic or hard-to-handle products such as fluorescent lights, unwanted medicines, paint, rechargeable batteries, and carpet. For example, in 2013 we are supporting producer responsibility bills for paint and rechargeable batteries.