OLYMPIA–A measure sponsored by Rep. Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, to allow for straw pulp to be used as post-consumer recycled content for single use carry out bags has unanimously passed both the House and Senate chambers.

The original bill SB5323 effective January 1, 2021, banning the single use carry-out bags, requires new manufactured bags contain at least 40% recycled product. “The Legislature passed a plastic bag ban with Senate Bill 5323 in 2020,” said Rude. “The law, which was scheduled to take effect January 1, has yet to be implemented due to a COVID-related gubernatorial proclamation. The law requires single use carry out bags to be manufactured with a minimum of 40% post-consumer recycled content.

Unfortunately, the bill did not make provision for another type of material to be used, such as that made at a straw pulp facility. Only post-consumer recycled material. “This requirement, however, did not allow for straw pulp to be used to satisfy that requirement because it is not a recycled material,” said Rude. “The House Bill 1145, which I sponsored, addresses that concern by allowing straw pulp to satisfy that requirement.”

To promote utilization of a commodity manufactured at a company such as Columbia Pulp which operates right here in Eastern Washington, HB 1145 provides language to include other products outside of recycled material. “Columbia Pulp is a valuable and innovative employer in Columbia County,” said Rude. “Protecting and expanding the market for straw pulp products both provides a beneficial use for this wheat farming byproduct and helps secure jobs in the region.

“House Bill 1145 passed the House and Senate unanimously, and now heads to the governor for signature.”