Original Law Solid Waste Act (1987) 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  
Implemented 7/1/1973 1/1/1991  
Beverages Covered   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)
Amount of Deposit     liquor: 15¢ All others: 5¢
Redemption Rate     overall 90-95% (l)
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
Unredeemed Deposits     Retained by distributor/bottlers
Handling Fee   3.5¢
Notes      

Footnotes

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