Vermont Bottle Bill History

See Campaign History for the stories behind many of these changes.

  Original Law Solid Waste Act (1987) Act 123 of 2009 Current Law
Name Beverage Container Law
Purpose Reduce litter, increase recycling, reduce waste disposal costs, create local jobs and save energy
Enacted 4/7/1972 1987 May 8, 2008  
Implemented 7/1/1973 1/1/1991    
Beverages Covered Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, mixed wine drinks Liquor was included   Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, mixed wine drinks; liquor
Containers Covered Any bottle, can, jar or carton composed of glass, metal, paper, plastic or any combination (Biodegradables excluded)     Any bottle, can, jar or carton composed of glass, metal, paper, plastic or any combination (Biodegradables excluded)
Amount of Deposit liquor: 15¢ All others: 5¢     liquor: 15¢ All others: 5¢
Redemption Rate   overall 90-95% (l)   overall 85% (m)
Reclamation System Retail stores and redemption centers, If retailer is located conveniently near a licensed center and thereby gains state approval, retailer may refuse containers     Retail stores and redemption centers, If retailer is located conveniently near a licensed center and thereby gains state approval, retailer may refuse containers
Unredeemed Deposits Retained by distributor/bottlers     Retained by distributor/bottlers
Handling Fee   Changed from 3.5¢ to 4¢ for brand-sorted containers and 3.5¢ for commingled brands 4¢ for brand-sorted containers and 3.5¢ for commingled brands
View Legislation   Text of law Act 123 Current Law
Notes        

Footnotes

[l] Source Vermont Solid Waste Division, as per phone conversation with Cathy Stacey on 9/24/01 (year 2000 estimate).

[m] Source: Vermont Solid Waste Division, as per phone conversation with Cathy Stacey on 4/8/10