WashingtonHB 14222025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Modifying the drug take-back program.

Sponsored By: Strom Peterson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Washington drug take-back laws end in 2030

On January 1, 2030, the laws governing Washington’s drug take-back program are repealed. This includes the program’s reporting, enforcement, and fee rules. Residents may lose access to this state-established medication disposal service unless lawmakers enact a replacement.

Stronger checks on drug take-back operators

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington’s drug take-back operators face stronger reporting and inspection rules. Comprehensive reports are due after the first full year and each July 1 afterward. Separate yearly collection-weight reports are due within 30 days after each annual period. Reports list participating manufacturers, amounts collected by method, collection sites, mailers, events, transporters, and disposal facilities. They also cover safety problems and fixes, public outreach and evaluation, packaging recycling, goals, and reasons for missed goals. Operators must report itemized spending, next year’s budget, and next year’s goals. The Department of Health posts reports online, checks compliance, and can require corrections within 30 days, including matching collection-site weights. Operators must fully cooperate with audits, inspections, and investigations. Continued violations can bring fines up to $2,000 per violation, with each day counting separately. Notice periods are 30 days for operators and 60 days for manufacturers that keep selling without participating. Wholesalers and retail pharmacies have 60 days after notice to provide required manufacturer lists. The department can hold informal conferences, order corrective action, and suspend operators for immediate public or environmental hazards. It cannot ban a covered manufacturer from selling drugs in Washington.

Drug take-back operators fund cost review

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington sets operating, proposal-review, and survey fees to cover actual program administration, oversight, and enforcement costs. Annual operating fees are split evenly among approved operators and collected each October 1. Fees cannot exceed actual costs. An operator’s fees also cannot exceed 10% of the highest annual spending reported by any one operator. Operators share a one-time $70,000 fee, collected by August 1, 2025, to fund an expedited legislative audit. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee must report to lawmakers by December 31, 2025. It reviews whether fee authority covers actual costs and whether department and operator spending is transparent and appropriate. The Department of Health must transfer the review money through an interagency agreement; the $70,000 fee is its sole funding. All program fees go into the secure drug take-back program account, not directly to households.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Strom Peterson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Joe Timmons
Democratic • House
Lauren Davis
Democratic • House
My-Linh Thai
Democratic • House
Natasha Hill
Democratic • House
Nicole Macri
Democratic • House
Timm Ormsby
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/26/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 4/9/2025