The Beverage Container Deposit Act in New Jersey establishes a comprehensive system for the return and recycling of beverage containers, mandating that all filled containers sold in the state be returnable and carry a $0.10 deposit. The act outlines the responsibilities of manufacturers, distributors, and dealers in collecting deposits and issuing refunds, while also defining key terms related to beverage containers. It introduces provisions for reverse vending machines, bulk processing programs, and redemption centers that must adhere to specific operational standards. The act aims to enhance recycling efforts and reduce litter by ensuring that all redeemable containers are properly handled for reuse or disposal.

This bill further amends existing laws by prohibiting the return of containers not purchased in the state and clarifying refund policies for containers returned after on-site consumption. It establishes penalties for violations and mandates that dealers provide means for returning empty containers within proximity to their premises. Additionally, the bill creates several funds, including the Beverage Container Deposit Fund and the Clean-Up and Redevelopment Trust Fund, to manage the financial aspects of the deposit system and support environmental initiatives. The legislation aims to improve the efficiency of the container redemption process while promoting the use of reusable containers and ensuring compliance through penalties for non-compliance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-96.6