The Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act of 2025 aims to tackle litter in the District of Columbia by implementing a beverage container deposit program. Under this program, consumers will pay a ten-cent deposit on applicable beverage containers, which will be refunded upon their return for recycling. The initiative will be managed by a nonprofit organization funded by beverage distributors and overseen by the Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE). Key provisions include the establishment of a stewardship organization responsible for managing the deposit program, compliance enforcement, and the operation of redemption facilities and reverse vending machines. The bill sets a goal of achieving a 75% redemption rate and a 70% recycling rate by 2028, with incremental increases through 2034.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the DOEE in setting standards for reverse vending machines, particularly in underserved communities, and caps the number of redeemable containers per visit at small retailers. It mandates the submission of a stewardship plan by organizations representing distributors, which must include details on container types, financing, and performance targets. The legislation also establishes a District Recycling Fund to manage unclaimed deposits and support environmental initiatives, while ensuring the confidentiality of individual distributor financial data. A disposal ban will take effect on January 1, 2027, prohibiting non-recycling disposal methods for beverage containers, and the Mayor will have the authority to enforce compliance through rules and penalties.