The bill H.119, introduced by Representative Branagan, aims to expand Vermont's beverage container redemption system by including cider, hard kombucha, noncarbonated water, and noncarbonated soft drinks. It also proposes to increase the deposit on beverage containers from five cents to ten cents. The definitions of "beverage" and "container" are amended to incorporate these new categories, and specific definitions for cider and hard kombucha are added. Additionally, the definition of "soft drink" is aligned with existing law.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that a deposit of ten cents will be required for each beverage container sold at retail, with a higher deposit of fifteen cents for liquor containers over 50 ml. The act also ensures that retailers and redemption centers are reimbursed for the containers they redeem, with varying reimbursement rates based on whether the beverage brands are part of a commingling program. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-1521, 10-1522