Recycling Reform Act and Right to Repair Pass, budget shortfall impacts, and more
On April 27, the Washington State Legislature concluded its 2025 legislative session after passing the state’s two-year (2025-27) biennial budget. As anticipated, it was a tough budget year, as the state faces a $16 billion deficit over the four-year outlook.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) was engaged throughout session, and we are thrilled to announce several key victories for environmental stewardship, community health, and affordability. Key outcomes include:
PASSED: The Recycling Reform Act (SB 5284)
The Recycling Reform Act establishes a statewide Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system to hold companies that sell packaging and paper products responsible for recycling or reusing them. Under this law, producers will be required to finance at least 90% of the costs of collection, sorting, and recycling of their products by 2032. This reform will:
- Save residents money on their utility bills;
- Create a statewide list of recyclable materials;
- Provide transparency and accountability in our recycling system;
- Increase recycling rates, establish reuse systems, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
- Incentivize companies to reduce packaging waste and choose more sustainable designs.
PASSED: Right to Repair (HB 1483)
In an age of disposable electronics, SPU has long supported legislation that makes repair more accessible and affordable. Right to Repair aims to empower consumers and independent repair shops by requiring manufacturers to provide the necessary tools, parts, and information to fix digital devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
This initiative supports a “circular economy” by extending the life of electronic products, reducing waste, and ensuring equitable access to affordable repairs.
Salmon Recovery
Salmon are a cornerstone species in the Pacific Northwest, vital to local ecosystems, cultural heritage, and recreational activities. However, sockeye salmon have not experienced healthy returns to the Cedar River since 2006, and Chinook salmon remain endangered. While SPU had hoped to receive funding for one of our culvert removal projects in West Seattle, the grant program was funded at a lower level than in previous years due to difficult budget decisions.
In addition, a budget request to address predation in the Lake Washington Basin was not included in the final budget. However, the Legislature maintained many other salmon recovery and habitat restoration grant programs, and we hope that SPU receives funding for our culvert removal project in a future year.
Tackling Toxic Pollution
Toxic chemicals like PFAS, PCBs, and 6PPD-Q pose significant risks to public health and the environment. These contaminants disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities. SPU was happy to see the state prioritize addressing these chemicals in the final budget.
- FUNDED: $8.5 million for the Department of Ecology to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals from tires.
- FUNDED: $4 million for the Department of Ecology to address and mitigate PFAS chemicals.
Other Noteworthy Items
PASSED: Organics Management (HB 1497)
Composting organic materials like food and yard waste is a priority for SPU because these materials emit methane (an extremely potent greenhouse gas) if sent to landfills. Following on successes in the Legislature in recent years, this bill makes additional progress toward improving food and yard waste collection in key ways:
- Standardizing collection bin colors across the state so that all food and yard waste bins would need to be green or brown, while recycling bins must be blue and garbage bins must be black or gray.
- Expands organics collection to residents in multifamily buildings across Washington.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The legislative wins this session reflect years of hard work for SPU staff and our partners across the state.
Each of these legislative priorities reflects SPU’s dedication to sustainability, equity, and community health. By advocating for smarter recycling systems, championing repair accessibility, protecting vital species, and addressing toxic pollution, SPU is ensuring a resilient and equitable future for all.
For more details, contact Maggie Yuse, SPU’s State Legislative Liaison.