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.

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 and supported by AMERIPEN. 

“The Legislature’s passage and Governor Ferguson’s signature is a testament to what is possible when policymakers and packaging subject matter experts work together,” said Lynn Dyer, Executive Director of AMERIPEN. “Rep. Berry and Sen. Lovelett built a broad coalition to help advance this legislation, and the result is a law that is ambitious yet achievable.” 

Throughout the 2024–25 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’s desk. Key AMERIPEN contributions included: 

• Aligning Washington’s definitions and performance targets with Minnesota’s 2024 Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act to ensure interstate consistency. 
• Advancing a shared-producer funding formula that phases in reimbursements to local recycling service providers, protecting ratepayers while modernizing infrastructure. 
• Clearly outlining pragmatic timelines that give producers, local governments, and recyclers enough notice to plan and invest.

“As a lifelong advocate for responsible waste management, I’m thrilled to see SB 5284 make it to the Governor’s desk,” said Senator Lovelett (D-Anacortes), the bill’s sponsor. “This policy symbolizes years of deep policy work and a major step forward to ensure people across Washington—urban and rural—have access to inexpensive, quality recycling services.”

“Like all parents, I’m worried about the impact litter is having on our waters, our wildlife, and our little ones,” added Representative Berry (D-Seattle), the House companion legislation’s sponsor. “That’s why I’m 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.” 

AMERIPEN says it “stands 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 fulfills its essential role while advancing circularity.”

For more information about AMERIPEN, visit www.ameripen.org.