Bill textOregon's expansion bill was signed by the Governor on June 9. However, The Associated Press reported that "more than a dozen" other bills affecting the deposit system were introduced in 2011.1
| Bill Number and Name | House Bill 3145 Bill text |
|---|---|
| Sponsors | Berger, Cannon |
| Beverages Covered | Expand the law to cover all beverages except wine, liquor, milk, and milk substitutes as of 2018 |
| Containers Covered | Same as in existing law; exempts containers for the newly added beverages over 1.5L |
| Deposits | Increased to 10¢ for nonrefillable containers if the redemption rate does not exceed 80% |
In addition to adding more beverages to the list of deposit beverages and increasing the deposit/refund value,
The current law covers beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, and bottled water. The expanded law, which will cover all noncarbonated beverages except milk and milk substitutes, and all alcoholic beverages except wine and liquor, will go into effect either (a) One year after the Oregon Liquor Control Commission determines that at least 60 percent of the beverage containers returned for the refund value are returned statewide to approved redemption centers, or (b) on January 1, 2018, whichever comes first.
The bill makes provisions for the deposit to be raised to 10¢ if the redemption rate falls below 80% for two consecutive years (as determined any time after January 1, 2016). At the time of the bill's passage, the redemption rate was 84%. The new beverages added by the bill (such as juices and sports drinks) may not be applied to the calculations until January 1, 2021.
This bill also allows distributors to form cooperatives to simplify the process of collecting empties and issuing refunds. A bill establishing a similar system was passed by legislature in 2010, but was vetoed by the governor, who is no longer in office. One of the amendments creates a pilot program for starting redemption centers operated by a distributor cooperative, in a major city.
The original bill was amended two times and passed the House on May 4, and the Senate on May 25. The governor signed it on June 9.
February 7, 2011: First reading
February 14, 2011: Referred to Energy, Environment and Water with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.
April 7, 2011: Public Hearing and Possible Work Session scheduled.
April 21, 2011: Work session held.
April 26, 2011: Amended, recommended to pass with amendments. Subsequent referral to Ways and Means rescinded by order of the Co-Speakers.
April 28, 2011: Second reading. Third reading. Referred to Rules
May 2, 2011: Work Session held.
May 3, 2011: Amended and recommended to pass.
May 4, 2011: Rules suspended. Third reading. Passed 47-12
May 5, 2011: First reading in Senate
May 6, 2011: Referred to Environment and Natural Resources.
May 23, 2011: Committee recommended the bill be passed
May 24, 2011: Second reading
May 25, 2011: Third reading. Passed Senate
Jun 9, 2011: Signed into law by Governor Kitzhaber
Scott Klag
AOR Legislative Chair
503.797.1665
[email protected]
Rick Winterhalter
Sr. Sustainability Analyst
503.742.4466
Clackamas County, Development Services Building
150 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City, OR 97045
[email protected]
1. Johanna Kaiser."Mass. lawmakers consider deposits on more drinks" Boston.com. July 21, 2011. http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/07/18/mass_lawmakers_consider_deposits_on_more_drinks/. Accessed July 21, 2011