Environment (Waste Management)

SB 5586 requires electric vehicle (EV) battery producers to manage end-of-life batteries, directly affecting manufacturers and battery sellers in Washington. Key provisions include: mandating permanent labeling on new EV batteries by 2028, banning solid waste facilities from accepting EV batteries after 2029 (unless authorized), and requiring producers to submit approved battery management plans by 2028. These plans must cover collection, recycling, reuse, or repurposing of used batteries through environmentally sound practices. The law aims to ensure responsible disposal and recovery of valuable battery materials like lithium and cobalt, aligning with similar efforts in California and New Jersey.

HB 1107 requires large fashion producers (those with over $100 million in annual gross income) to annually disclose specific environmental information to Washington’s Department of Ecology starting January 1, 2027. It mandates reporting on high-priority chemicals in products, definitions of sustainability claims like "green" or "eco-friendly," disposal methods for unsold inventory, and current environmental initiatives. The bill directly affects major fashion brands, manufacturers, and importers selling products in Washington, aiming to increase transparency about the industry’s environmental footprint. Key provisions include requiring clear definitions of marketing terms and data on waste disposal volumes, with penalties for noncompliance.