The 2008 Rhode Island Bill

Under S2771, Rhode Island's existing plastic bottle labeling law would be amended to add a 5¢ deposit to all beverage containers sold in the state (except aseptic and biodegradable containers) and implement a bar code labeling system.
Bill Number and Name S2771 Bill text Substitute version
Primary Sponsor Senate Majority Leader Theresa Paiva-Weed
Containers Covered any sealable beverage container composed of glass, metal, plastic or a combination and is produced for the purpose of containing a beverage. Excludes biodegradables, aseptics, and foil pouches
Beverages Covered carbonated and non-carbonated, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including packaged liquors and liquid mixes
Deposits 5¢
Reclamation System Return to dealer or redemption center
Unredeemed Deposits 75% go to general fund; 25% used to fund program and other recycling initiatives

Details

In addition to setting up a deposit-redemption system, HB 2771 would also require bar-code labeling to indicate its sale in Rhode Island. It would also ban the use of plastic rings or other non-biodegradable materials to bind beverage containers together.

The bill's primary sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Theresa Paiva-Weed, is a strong recycling proponent and recently held a recycling summit to discuss the relevant issues.

Midway through the legislative session, the original bill for a deposit law was replaced with a bill for a study on a deposit law, to be conducted by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation. The Corporation is supposed to report back to the legislature with its findings by January 1, 2009.

However, as of January 6, 2009, we have heard no word of this report.

Progress

February 27, 2008: Introduced and referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee

April 23, 2008: Committee recommended measure be held for further study

May 21, 2008: Senate wrote an amended version (S2771 Sub A) that directs the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation to conduct a study to consider container deposit legislaton

June 3, 2008: Sub A passed the Senate and was referred to House, for hearing on June 17

June 19, 2008: Sub A passed House and was referred to Governor on June 30

July 8, 2008: Sub A effective without governor's signature