Relates to returnable beverage containers; amends certain definitions relating thereto; repeals a certain provision of law relating thereto; provides that a dealer whose place of business is less than ten thousand square feet and whose primary business is the sale of food or beverages for consumption off-premises may obtain an exemption from the obligation to accept empty beverage containers for redemption under certain conditions; provides for different handling fees for beverage containers accepter by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center; provides that a deposit initiator shall have the right to conduct audits of containers presented for redemption by redemption centers or dealers subject to certain provisions; provides requirements for groups of deposit initiators and brands to form a commingling group; relates to provisions governing redemption centers.
Impact
Among various modifications, S07722 establishes different handling fees applicable to beverage containers accepted by deposit initiators from dealers and operators of redemption centers. It mandates that deposit initiators have the right to conduct audits of containers presented for redemption. This legislative change aims to enhance oversight and ensure that redemption processes are maintained efficiently, thereby promoting environmental sustainability through better management of beverage container recycling.
Summary
Bill S07722 proposes amendments to the environmental conservation law regarding returnable beverage containers. A key aspect of this bill is the introduction of regulations that allow dealers whose establishments are under 10,000 square feet and primarily sell food or beverages for off-premises consumption to apply for an exemption from the obligation to accept empty beverage containers for redemption. This aims to ease the burden on small businesses by providing them alternatives under certain conditions, thereby promoting compliance and operational flexibility.
Conclusion
Overall, S07722 seeks to create a balance between fostering small business interests and ensuring environmental stewardship regarding beverage container disposal. The bill's success will hinge on its implementation and the monitoring of its effects on both businesses and the environment.
Contention
The bill's approach of permitting exemptions from redemption obligations may raise significant discussion points, particularly among environmental advocacy groups. Critics argue that such exemptions could undermine efforts to promote recycling and may lead to increased littering if consumers cannot return containers easily. Supporters, however, claim it provides necessary flexibility for small businesses so they can remain competitive while still fulfilling their ecological responsibilities.
Same As
Relates to returnable beverage containers; amends certain definitions relating thereto; repeals a certain provision of law relating thereto; provides that a dealer whose place of business is less than ten thousand square feet and whose primary business is the sale of food or beverages for consumption off-premises may obtain an exemption from the obligation to accept empty beverage containers for redemption under certain conditions; provides for different handling fees for beverage containers accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center; provides that a deposit initiator shall have the right to conduct audits of containers presented for redemption by redemption centers or dealers subject to certain provisions; provides requirements for groups of deposit initiators and brands to form a commingling group; relates to provisions governing redemption centers.
Relates to returnable bottles; adds noncarbonated soft drinks, certain noncarbonated fruit or vegetable juices, coffee and tea beverages, carbonated fruit beverages and cider to the definition of "beverage"; provides that beginning April 1, 2026, the handling fee will be six cents for each beverage container accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center.
Relates to returnable bottles; adds noncarbonated soft drinks, certain noncarbonated fruit or vegetable juices, coffee and tea beverages, carbonated fruit beverages and cider to the definition of "beverage"; provides that beginning April 1, 2026, the handling fee will be six cents for each beverage container accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center.
Increases the handling fee paid by a deposit initiator to a dealer or operator of a redemption center from three and one half cents to five cents per container; decreases the amount of quarterly payments a deposit initiator must pay the commissioner of taxation and finance from eighty to forty-seven percent of the balance of initiator's refund value account; provides for registration as a redemption center.
Increases the handling fee paid by a deposit initiator to a dealer or operator of a redemption center from three and one half cents to five cents per container; decreases the amount of quarterly payments a deposit initiator must pay the commissioner of taxation and finance from eighty to forty-seven percent of the balance of initiator's refund value account; provides for registration as a redemption center.
Requires the comptroller to retain, from revenues collected from unclaimed bottles, an amount equal to 2% of the total revenues collected in the prior calendar year, for use towards expanding and creating bottle redemption centers under the beverage container assistance program; increases the handling fee paid by deposit initiators to dealers or operators of a redemption center from 3.5 cents to 5 cents.
Provides for a fixed schedule of penalties for violations of the alcoholic beverage control law, requirements for certain retail licensees for on-premises consumption and labeling of disposable cups and similar to-go containers containing alcoholic beverages.
Relates to returnable beverage containers; amends certain definitions relating thereto; repeals a certain provision of law relating thereto; provides that a dealer whose place of business is less than ten thousand square feet and whose primary business is the sale of food or beverages for consumption off-premises may obtain an exemption from the obligation to accept empty beverage containers for redemption under certain conditions; provides for different handling fees for beverage containers accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center; provides that a deposit initiator shall have the right to conduct audits of containers presented for redemption by redemption centers or dealers subject to certain provisions; provides requirements for groups of deposit initiators and brands to form a commingling group; relates to provisions governing redemption centers.