The state Senate voted 38-11 March 6 to send Senate Bill 6428 to Gov. Christine Gregoire´s desk, making Washington the fourth state to pass electronics recycling legislation.

The legislation calls for a free program for residents, small businesses, schools, small local governments and charities. By Jan. 1, 2009, manufacturers must pay to implement their own recycling program or participate in a centralized plan that a third party, quasi-governmental agency will run.

It does not permit exporting electronic waste to Third World nations or the use of prison labor to disassemble obsolete electronic equipment.

The bill the state House 69-29 March 2. Gregoire has 20 days from the March 6 passage to sign or veto the bill.