Bill textSeveral bills regarding the Massachusetts deposit system were introduced this session:
A bottle bill expansion was also included in budget considerations, but did not make it into the final budget.
Following the budget failure, the Massachusetts Bottle Bill Coalition started a campaign to get the bottle bill update on the 2014 ballot. More information on that initiative can be found on the coalition website.
| Bill Number and Name | S.1588, HD1105 Bill text |
|---|---|
| Sponsors | Senator Cynthia Creem and Rep. Jonathan Hecht |
| Beverages Covered | Adds noncarbonated non-alcoholic beverages (excluding dairy products, infant formula, and medicines) |
| Deposits | Stay at 5¢, but linked to the Consumer Price Index to make future increases possible. |
| Handling Fees | Increased to 3.5¢, and linked to the Consumer Price Index |
The most significant change to Massachusetts' current deposit-refund law is that noncarbonated beverages are added (excepting dairy, drugs, and infant formula).
The deposit value, which has remained at 5¢ since the law's inception, would be linked to the Consumer Price Index so it could increase with inflation. The same would be done to the handling fee, which is to increase to 3.5¢.
A few other proposed changes:
January 22, 2013: Referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
A bill was apparently introduced to replace the Massachusetts beverage container deposit with a fee. More information on that will be posted as it becomes available.
| Bill Number and Name | S 379 "An Act Improving Recycling in the Commonwealth" Bill text |
|---|---|
| Sponsors | Michael O. Moore, Michael J. Rodrigues, Stephen L. DiNatale, Michael R. Knapik |
| Deposits | Repeals the deposit law |
| Other Fees / Taxes | 1¢ per container Recycling Fee, paid by distributors to state |
This bill would repeal the Massachusetts deposit-refund law and replace it with several recycling and litter prevention programs funded by a 1¢-per-container fee paid by beverage distributors.
January 22, 2013 Introduced and Referred to the committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture
A handling fee change, from 2.25¢ per container to 3.5¢, is proposed in Massachusetts. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for March 11, 2013. More information on the proposal