BOTTLE BILL EXPANSION

You asked if any neighboring states include hard liquor bottles and wine bottles in their “bottle bill,” and if there have ever been proposals to incorporate those bottles in the returnable category in Connecticut.

Six northeastern states, including Connecticut, have some form of the “bottle bill.” Two states, Maine and Vermont, include liquor bottles. Maine includes all beverages except unprocessed cider. Vermont includes mixed wine and liquor, but not just wine. New York does not include liquor or wine bottles, but does include wine cooler bottles.

We found four proposals since 1990 to expand the bottle bill in a manner that would include wine and liquor bottles.

The law requires certain beverage containers sold or offered for sale in the state to have a refund value of at least $.05 and requires the amount to be uniform throughout the state's distribution process; beverage containers sold or offered for sale on interstate passenger carriers are exempt (CGS § 22a-244).

We were able to identify six northeastern states, including Connecticut, with some form of the “bottle bill.” Two states, Maine and Vermont, include liquor bottles. Maine includes all beverages except unprocessed cider. Vermont includes mixed wine and liquor, but not just wine.

*State*	*Name*	*Beverages Covered*	*Containers Covered*
Connecticut	Beverage Container Deposit and Redemption Law	Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, carbonated mineral water, and bottled water	Any individual, separate, sealed glass, metal or plastic bottle, can, jar or carton containing a beverage. Excluded are containers over 3 liters containing noncarbonated beverages and high density polyethylene plastic containers.
Delaware	Beverage Container Regulation	Beer, malt, ale, soft drinks, mineral water, soda water	All beverage containers under two quarts. Excludes aluminum
Massachusetts	Beverage Container Recovery Law	Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, & mineral water	Any sealable bottle, can, jar, or carton of glass, metal, plastic, or combo. Excludes biodegradables.
Maine	Maine Returnable Beverage Container Law	All beverages except dairy products and unprocessed cider	Sealed containers made of glass, metal or plastic, containing four liters or less, excluding aseptics
New York	New York State Returnable Container Law	Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, mineral water, wine coolers, flat water (effective Oct. 22, 2009)	Airtight metal, glass, paper, plastic, or combination of the above, under one gallon
Vermont	Beverage Container Law (1972), Solid Waste Act (1987)	Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, mixed wine drinks, liquor	Any bottle, can, jar or carton composed of glass, metal, paper, plastic or any combination (Biodegradables excluded)

In 1991, SB 131 included all sealed glass, metal, or plastic containers containing liquid beverages intended for human consumption. The bill was referred to Joint Committee on Environment, which held a public hearing for the bill.

In 2001, HB 6956 amended the definition of “beverage,” which at the time included beer, malt beverages, mineral waters, soda water, and similar carbonated soft drinks, to also include any non-dairy liquid intended for human consumption that is packaged in a beverage container other than a carton that is between 10 and 48 fluid ounces. The bill excluded infant formula. The bill was favorably reported by the Joint Committee on the Environment, then referred by the house to the Committee on General Law, which took no action.

In 2006, SB 192 amended the definition of beverage to include noncarbonated water, as well as alcohol intended for human consumption that is packaged in a container one pint in size or smaller; non-dairy or non-soy liquid intended for human consumption. The bill excluded infant formula, meal replacement drinks with a protein content of at least 12%, or liquids used for medicinal purposes. SB 192 was referred to Joint Committee on Environment, which held a public hearing for the bill.


September 9, 2009		2009-R-0326
BOTTLE BILL EXPANSION

By: Meghan Reilly, Legislative Analyst