Palletized solar modules are waiting for recycling in a solarcycle warehouse.
After a law of 2017 the Photovoltaic module Stewardship and Takeback program In Washington, where the manufacturers of solar panels had to offer the public a way to recycle all purchased modules, the State spent a number of years working through problems with these requirements and tried to convene stakeholders to come up with solutions that worked for all parties. Now the governor has signed a bill that aims to tackle the earlier problems.
SB5175 Changes existing laws to guarantee a safe and environmentally friendly recycling system for photovoltaic modules. It is mandatory for manufacturers to finance the return and recycling system and submit a stewardship plan before 31 January 2030, in which it is detailed how they will manage the recycling process, minimize hazardous waste and repair valuable materials. The account also emphasizes the need for fair access to recycling programs.
SB5175 also creates a PV module Advisory Committee to make recommendations about the recycling system, which will collaborate with an independent consultant to collect research and concept reports, with a final report before 1 June 2028.
The law will take effect on 30 June 2025 and includes fines of a maximum of $ 10,000 for non-compliance from the manufacturer.
