Household Hazardous Waste Producer Responsibility Act.

Senator Allen's household hazardous waste legislation establishes a comprehensive producer responsibility program requiring manufacturers of hazardous consumer products to fund and manage the collection and disposal of these materials. The program mandates that producers join a designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to develop collection systems ensuring convenient, no-cost disposal options for consumers while reimbursing local jurisdictions for related expenses.

The bill defines covered products as consumer items that are ignitable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive, including pesticides, aerosols, automotive fluids, compressed gases, lithium batteries, and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Producers must register with the PRO within 90 days of its approval by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC). The PRO must then submit a detailed plan outlining collection methods, funding mechanisms, and public education strategies within 12 months of DTSC's implementing regulations taking effect, which cannot occur before July 2028.

The legislation requires the PRO's plan to achieve specific performance targets, including a 40% reduction in improper disposal of covered products by 2036 and 70% consumer awareness of proper disposal methods. The plan must incorporate permanent collection sites, temporary events, and special accommodations for elderly and disabled residents. DTSC will oversee implementation through mandatory annual reports and audits, with authority to impose daily penalties up to $50,000 for violations.

To fund these activities, the PRO must establish an equitable cost-sharing system among participating producers based on sales volumes and product management costs. The program creates two dedicated funds: one for DTSC's administrative expenses and another for penalties collected through enforcement actions. These funds, upon legislative appropriation, will support program operations, grants, and related activities.