(1) The department of ecology shall develop and implement an environmental excellence awards program that recognizes products that are produced, labeled, or packaged in a manner that helps ensure environmental protection. The award shall be in recognition of products that are made from recycled materials, easy to recycle, substitute for more hazardous products, or otherwise help protect the environment. Application for the award shall be voluntary. The awards may be made in a variety of product categories including, but not limited to:

(a) Paint products;

(b) Cleaning products;

(c) Pest control products;

(d) Automotive, marine, and related maintenance products;

(e) Hobby and recreation products; and

(f) Any other product available for retail or wholesale sale.

(2) Products receiving an environmental excellence award pursuant to this section shall be entitled to display a logo or other symbol developed by the department to signify the award. Awards shall be given each year to as many products as qualify. The award logo may be displayed for a period to be determined by the department.

Effective date—2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7: See note following RCW 43.03.027.