Louisiana House Bill HB760

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10

Caption

Creates the Louisiana Beverage Container Law (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

Impact

The bill has significant implications for various stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and consumers. It requires all beverage containers sold in the state to indicate a refund value, set at a minimum of ten cents, thereby creating a financial incentive for consumers to participate in recycling. Furthermore, it obligates dealers and distributors to accept returned containers and to pay the refund as defined by the law, significantly changing the way beverage waste is managed in Louisiana.

Summary

House Bill 760 establishes the Louisiana Beverage Container Law, which introduces a deposit and redemption system for beverage containers sold in the state. The legislation defines a range of terms related to the sale and recycling of beverage containers, and mandates that all eligible containers must display a refund value to incentivize consumers to return them. The law aims to reduce litter, improve state recycling efforts, and alleviate the burden on waste management systems by encouraging environmentally friendly disposal practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HB 760 appears supportive among environmental advocacy groups who see the potential for a cleaner state through the reduction of litter and an increase in recycling rates. However, there are concerns from some business owners regarding the logistics and costs associated with implementing the requirements set forth by the bill. Overall, discussions indicate a recognition of the environmental benefits, balanced by the challenges of compliance for businesses.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include the feasibility of handling the refund process for dealers and the potential financial burden that might be placed on smaller businesses. Additionally, there are concerns regarding compliance with the regulations around handling damaged containers, which could complicate operational procedures for retailers. The discussion highlights a tension between the need for effective recycling programs and the capabilities of current business practices to adhere to new regulations.