This bill establishes a new Beverage Container Redemption Program under the Department of Environmental Services, creating Chapter 149-S in the RSA. The program mandates that distributors charge a $0.10 refundable deposit on eligible beverage containers sold in New Hampshire, with consumers receiving refunds upon returning these containers to registered redemption centers or retailers. Certain containers, such as those larger than 3 liters and specific beverages like milk and infant formula, are exempt from this deposit requirement. The bill outlines the responsibilities of distributors, retailers, and redemption centers, including the collection and reimbursement of deposits, compliance with sanitation and reporting requirements, and the establishment of a Beverage Container Recycling Fund to manage unclaimed deposits.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for penalties for violations, with civil penalties up to $500 per day and potential suspension of registrations for non-compliance. The Department of Environmental Services is tasked with enforcing the program and adopting necessary rules for its implementation. The bill also introduces a new subparagraph to RSA 6:12 regarding the Beverage Container Deposit Fund, which will receive moneys from unclaimed deposits. The program is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and while it does not provide immediate funding, it anticipates significant revenue from unclaimed deposits in subsequent years.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12
HB1679 text: 6:12