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
