Waste that’s worthy of attention
Oregon’s legislative session is underway and there are over a dozen waste-related bills that have been introduced. Here are two bills that we support.
Right to Repair (HB 2698):
UPDATE: This bill died in the House of Representatives. It did not pass.
Overview
If you can’t repair your own things, do you really own them? In a time of planned obsolescence where stuff is made to be broken, this bill will empower repair rather than disposal by requiring manufacturers to provide us with the tools and manuals we need to fix our broken things. We support repair because it:
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- reduces environmental damage by decreasing toxic eWaste;
- increases access to affordable technology; and
- supports small businesses and the local economy.
Modernizing Oregon’s Recycling System (SB 582 B):
UPDATE: This bill passed and was signed by the Senate and House leaders to become law!
Overview
Oregon has an outdated recycling system that leads to public confusion about what can and cannot be recycled, and consequently, high rates of contamination. The system also places too large a burden on local communities for the end-of-life costs of materials. This bill would finally apply “extended producer responsibility” principles to Oregon’s waste system and require producers to finance much of the cost of system improvements. This bill would also:
- require truthful, easy-to-understand recycling labels;
- develop a state-wide recyclables collection list and educational programs to increase public understanding; and
- improve recycling opportunities in rural areas by equalizing the cost of transporting recyclable materials to markets.