Virginia House Bill HB826

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Beverage container deposit and redemption program; established, civil and criminal penalties.

Impact

The legislation not only sets forth a redemption process but also creates a Producer Responsibility Organization tasked with overseeing the program's implementation and operational efficiency. The Organization will be responsible for the collection and processing of returned containers, and it must achieve specified redemption rates over time. Penalties are established for non-compliance with the program's requirements, indicating the state’s commitment to holding entities accountable for promoting recycling efforts. The introduction of this program aligns with broader environmental goals aimed at sustainable waste management.

Summary

House Bill 826 establishes a beverage container deposit and redemption program aimed at promoting recycling and reducing litter in the Commonwealth. Under this bill, a system will be implemented where consumers pay a deposit when purchasing beverages in recyclable containers, which can be redeemed for a refund when the containers are returned. The refund value is set at 10 cents for containers under 24 ounces and 15 cents for those 24 ounces or larger. This initiative aims to incentivize the return of beverage containers and facilitate better resource recovery practices in the state.

Contention

While the bill is anticipated to yield positive environmental outcomes, there are points of contention among stakeholders, particularly regarding the potential cost implications for consumers and businesses. Retailers, beverage manufacturers, and other stakeholders have raised concerns about the practicalities of operating redemption facilities and the financial burdens associated with the required infrastructure. Moreover, there is ongoing dialogue about the effectiveness of deposit programs in ensuring high redemption rates without imposing excessive costs on consumers or creating operational challenges for retailers.