The proposed "Beverage Container Recycling Act" establishes a comprehensive recycling refund program for beverage containers in Rhode Island, managed by the Department of Environmental Management. The act defines key terms such as "covered beverage container," "producer," and "recycling refund," and outlines the roles of stakeholders, including producers and consumers.

A significant component of the bill is the requirement for a nonprofit recycling refund producer responsibility organization to be established by January 1, 2026, which will oversee the program's implementation, including the collection and redemption of beverage containers. The organization must submit a one-time registration fee and will be responsible for developing a recycling refund program plan that includes performance targets and strategies for enhancing recyclability.

Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a recycling refund advisory council to guide the program's implementation and ensure compliance among producers, who must be members of a registered organization by July 1, 2026. The legislation includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance, with fines for fraudulent activities and a process for notifying and appealing penalties.

It emphasizes the importance of accessibility to redemption sites and establishes standards for the operation of these sites. The act aims to enhance recycling efforts, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure equitable access to recycling resources across the state, with the overall goal of achieving a minimum redemption rate of 65% by 2031 and 85% by 2034.