The bill introduced to the Rhode Island General Assembly establishes the "Beverage Container Deposit Recycling Act" to address the environmental impact of single-use beverage containers by creating a container deposit system. It defines key terms necessary for the system's operation, such as "producer," "producer responsibility organization" (PRO), and various recycling-related terms, while also specifying exclusions from the definition of "beverage." The bill mandates that by July 1, 2025, beverage containers can only be sold or distributed in the state if the producer is registered with a PRO and operates under an approved producer responsibility plan. It sets forth the criteria for selecting a single PRO, which must submit a stewardship plan detailing the operation of programs to meet performance targets for reuse, recycling, and waste reduction.

The bill requires the PRO to create a comprehensive plan for beverage container redemption and recycling, including equitable and convenient redemption across the state, a proposed budget, and a certification for nonpublic treatment of data from service providers. It sets performance goals for redemption and reuse rates, with minimum postconsumer recycled content requirements for various types of beverage containers. The PRO is responsible for collecting an annual fee from beverage producers, which incentivizes environmentally friendly practices and covers costs related to recycling and education. The bill also establishes a refund value for beverage containers and outlines the responsibilities of the PRO, including compliance with the chapter, achieving performance targets, and submitting annual reports. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.