The proposed bill establishes a comprehensive beverage container recycling refund program in Minnesota, codified under new sections 115A.566 to 115A.5665. It sets the refund value for beverage containers at ten cents for those 24 fluid ounces or less and 15 cents for larger containers. The bill outlines the responsibilities of beverage producers, distributors, and retailers, mandating retailers to accept returns and install processing mechanisms. It also creates a distributor and importer responsibility organization to oversee the program, which must operate as a nonprofit or cooperative, and includes penalties for non-compliance. The organization is tasked with reporting on redemption rates and may adjust refund values accordingly.

Furthermore, the bill introduces enforcement measures, including civil and criminal penalties for violations, with fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per day for non-compliance and potential criminal penalties for fraudulent activities. The commissioner is granted authority to impose fines on organizations and distributors, with penalties reaching up to $30,000 for organizations with excessive complaints. All collected penalties will be allocated to support the recycling program and outreach activities. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on July 1, 2024, aiming to enhance recycling efforts and reduce solid waste from beverage containers in Minnesota.