SPOKANE, Wash. — The quest for squeaky- clean dishes has turned some law-abiding people into dishwasher-detergent smugglers. They are bringing Cascade or Electrasol in from out of state because the eco-friendly varieties required under Washington state law don’t work as well.
Spokane County became the launchpad in July for the nation’s strictest ban on dishwasher detergent made with phosphates, a measure aimed at reducing water pollution. The ban will be expanded statewide in July 2010.
But many people were shocked to find the eco-friendly products left dishes encrusted with food and smeared with grease. “Yes, I am a smuggler,” said Patti Marcotte of Spokane, who stocks up on detergent in Idaho. “I’m taking my chances because dirty dishes I cannot live with.”
Among other states that banned or are banning phosphates in detergents: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts and New York. A bill on Capitol Hill would impose a nationwide ban.
