The proposed Beverage Container Deposit Act in New Jersey establishes a comprehensive system for the management of beverage containers, mandating that all filled containers sold in the state be returnable and carry a $0.10 deposit. The bill outlines specific requirements for manufacturers, distributors, and dealers, including the necessity for containers to be clearly marked with their refund value and the state name. It imposes civil penalties for non-compliance, ranging from $100 to $1,000 per day, and mandates that dealers accept returns of any empty beverage container sold by them, providing cash refunds. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions to prevent fraud, such as prohibiting the redemption of previously redeemed or out-of-state containers, and establishes penalties for manufacturers who sell non-designated containers.

To enhance the efficiency of the container redemption process, the bill requires dealers to provide reverse vending machines for returning empty containers and mandates the establishment of beverage container redemption centers throughout the state. These centers must operate daily and accept all redeemable containers, thereby supporting the state's recycling efforts. The legislation also creates several funds, including the Beverage Container Deposit Fund and the Community Pollution Prevention Grant Fund, to manage the financial aspects of the deposit system and support local environmental initiatives. Furthermore, the bill repeals a section of existing law that would render the state's recycling tax inoperable if a deposit system is established, ensuring the tax remains effective and promoting a structured approach to beverage container management.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-96.6