Delaware

2010: New proposal could mean the end for Delaware deposit law

On January 5, 2010, the Delaware governor announced a proposal to improve curbside recycling statewide. The proposal would ultimately replace the 5-cent refundable beverage container deposit with a non-refundable 2-cent fee.

Also, a bill introduced in the House would divert unclaimed deposits to support food banks.

Food bank bill

Bill Number and Name HB 307 Bill text
Primary Sponsor Oberle
Unredeemed Deposits Requires unclaimed deposits to be deposited into a "Food Bank Support Fund"

 

Details

Markell's Proposal

A new proposal threatens to do away with the deposit-return system in favor of fee-supported curbside recycling, less than a year after a repeal bill nearly put an end to Delaware's 26-year old bottle bill. The 2009 repeal bill passed the House and Senate but was ultimately vetoed by Governor Jack Markell, who explained that the bill did not propose any adequate alternatives to the bottle bill and did not move the state forward environmentally.

Now, Markell has proposed an alternative of his own. Under his system, the 5¢ deposit currently in effect would be replaced over time with a non-refundable 2¢ fee. The fee would be used to help waste haulers and municipalities start curbside recycling programs, which would be mandatory under the new system and required to meet target recycling numbers.

Read more about the proposal on the governor's website.

Food bank bill

This bill establishes a Food Bank Support fund, to be operated by the Office of Management and Budget. All unclaimed deposits shall be deposited in this fund and distributed to nonprofit food banks.

Progress

Markell's proposal

January 5, 2010: Governor Markell announced "universal recycling" proposal

Food Bank Bill

January 14, 2010: Introduced and referred to House Health & Human Development Committee

Contacts

Contact information for Governor Markell

Pat Todd
League of Women Voters of Delaware
1401 Pennsylvania Ave. #1204
Wilmington, DE 19806
Phone: 302-762-5995
ptoddwilm@aol.com

 

Updated February 11, 2010

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