The Beverage Container Deposit Act in New Jersey establishes a comprehensive system for the return and recycling of beverage containers, mandating that all filled beverage containers sold in the state be returnable with a $0.10 deposit. These containers must be clearly marked with "New Jersey" or "N.J." and their refund value. The act outlines the responsibilities of distributors and dealers, who are required to collect the deposit from consumers and accept returns of empty containers, issuing refunds regardless of the original purchaser. The bill introduces civil penalties for non-compliance, with fines ranging from $100 to $1,000, and mandates that all penalties collected be directed to the Clean-Up and Redevelopment Trust Fund.

Additionally, the bill includes several amendments to existing laws, such as prohibiting the return of containers not purchased in the state and clarifying refund policies for containers returned after on-site consumption. It requires dealers to provide reverse vending machines for returns and establishes beverage container redemption centers that must accept all redeemable containers. The legislation also creates multiple funds, including the Beverage Container Deposit Fund and the Community Pollution Prevention Grant Fund, to support environmental initiatives. The act will take effect two years after enactment, allowing time for necessary administrative preparations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-96.6