Details

Deposits are initiated by manufacturers or distributors of beverage containers. They pass the 5¢-per-container deposit on to retailers, who pass it on to consumers.

Distributors are responsible for picking up empty containers from dealers or redemption centers and paying those parties directly. In addition to the refund value, they must also pay a 3.5¢ per container handling fee. Under a commingling agreement, dealers or redemption centers may commingle containers of "like product group, material, and size." Under a commingling agreement, the handling fee per container is 3¢.

"Like products" as defined by the bill, are categories of beverage: beer/malt beverages, soda, noncarbonated water, and all other beverages.

Commingling agreements may only be made if at least 50% of the containers of like product group, material or size are covered by the agreement.

Under this bill, deposit initiators (e.g. distributors) must keep any deposits received in a separate account and remit all unclaimed deposits to the department of revenue administration.

Progress

Introduced January 8, 2014, this bill was referred to Environment and Agriculture, where it was voted "Inexpedient to legislate" on February 12.