WA SB5502

Establishes a 10-cent refund value on glass, plastic, and metal beverage containers (40 milliliters to one gallon) to be collected at point of sale and refunded when containers are returned for recycling

Creates a producer-funded recycling refund program managed by a nonprofit producer responsibility organization, requiring beverage brand owners to register by April 2026, pay fees, and report sales data

Mandates redemption rate targets of 65% by year two and 80% by year five of the program, with a network of express redemption sites (bag-drop, reverse vending machines) and full-service sites offering immediate cash refunds

Requires material recovery facilities to receive monthly payments equal to at least 50% of refund value for covered containers processed during the first program period, with facilities reporting tonnage data to the producer organization

Establishes a 15-member Recycling Refund Advisory Council to oversee program implementation, with civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day for violations ($10,000 for subsequent violations) and tax exemptions for refund value transactions