WashingtonSB 51752025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning the photovoltaic module stewardship and takeback program.

Sponsored By: Sharon Shewmake (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Free, convenient solar panel takeback

Manufacturers must run and pay for end‑of‑life takeback and recycling. Owners can drop off panels at no cost. Programs must accept all panels sold in or into Washington after July 1, 2017. Takeback sites must be reasonably convenient in the same region where panels were used, with clear instructions for safe removal and transport. Plans must prevent hazardous releases, recover valuable materials, aim to reuse or recycle at least 85% of the weight collected, and post yearly progress reports by April 1.

No sales without approved recycling plan

Manufacturers that sell panels in Washington must file a stewardship plan by January 31, 2030, or within 30 days of their first sale. Starting January 31, 2031, sellers cannot sell panels in Washington unless the manufacturer has an approved plan. After a warning, the department may fine a manufacturer up to $10,000 per sale and can direct retailers, distributors, and installers to stop selling that brand if no plan is submitted within 30 days. Manufacturers may appeal within 180 days. Stewardship organizations must report the brands they represent to the department within 60 days of being designated or removed.

Manufacturers can join a national program

A manufacturer may use a national takeback program if Ecology finds it is substantially equivalent to state rules. If that program ends or is no longer equivalent, the manufacturer must submit a Washington plan within 30 days of notice.

Advisory committee to guide panel recycling

If funded, Ecology sets up an advisory committee with broad stakeholders to shape recycling and takeback. An independent consultant supports the group and delivers a report by June 1, 2028. Ecology must send lawmakers a summary and recommended changes by December 1, 2028. This section ends July 1, 2030.

Ecology sets rules; law starts 2025

Ecology maintains guidance for stewardship plans and may adopt rules to run and enforce the program. The department began this work in 2018 and finished plan guidance by July 1, 2019. The law takes effect June 30, 2025.

Fees on manufacturers fund program oversight

Ecology can charge manufacturers a flat fee to cover plan guidance and review, plus an annual fee based on each manufacturer's share of Washington panel sales in the prior year. All fees go into a dedicated Photovoltaic Module Recycling Account and are used only to run the program. Spending requires approval by the department director and does not need a separate appropriation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sharon Shewmake
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Bob Hasegawa
Democratic • Senate
Lisa Wellman
Democratic • Senate
T'wina Nobles
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 107 • No: 37

House vote • 4/10/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 58 • No: 37 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/5/2025