United States

The 2007 US Campaign

The Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2007 is a proposed amendment to the Solid Waste Disposal Act. It will levy a 5¢ deposit (adjustable for inflation) on all beverage containers. States which already have a successful deposit program in place are exempt as long as they maintain high recycling rates
Bill Number and Name HR 4238
Bottle Recycling Climate Protection Act of 2007 Bill text
Primary Sponsor Rep Ed Markey (MA-7)

Co-sponsors: Rep Blumenauer, Earl [OR-3], Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4], Rep Delahunt, William D. [MA-10] , Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7], Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22] , RepJune 15, 2008p Sanchez, Loretta [CA-47], Rep Slaughter, Louise McIntosh [NY-28], Rep Stark, Fortney Pete [CA-13], Rep Van Hollen, Chris [MD-8]
Containers Covered All sealed containers constructed of metal, glass, plastic, or combination of these materials, under a gallon.
Beverages Covered Bottled waters, sports drinks, juice, iced tea, wine cooler, beer or other malt beverage, carbonated beverages (excluding dairy)
Deposits 5¢, adjustable for inflation
Handling Fees 3¢, paid by distributor to retailer
Other Fees / Taxes None
Reclamation System Return to retail, or redemption centers that are agents of the retailer
Unredeemed Deposits Paid yearly by distributors to states, to fund greenhouse gas-reduction programs

Details

This national bottle bill would require every state to enforce a deposit on beverage containers. States with existing deposit laws would be allowed to keep theirs, as long as they maintain high recycling rates: 50% for the first 3 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle; 60% for the subsequent 2 year period; and 70% during any period thereafter.

Progress

November 15, 2007: Introduced and referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Contacts

Representative Ed Markey
e-mail form

Updated June 15, 2008