The bill H.915 establishes an extended producer responsibility program for beverage containers in Vermont, requiring all manufacturers and distributors of covered beverage containers to join a producer responsibility organization responsible for the collection and management of these containers. Key changes to existing law include the repeal of the definition of biodegradable material, the introduction of new definitions for beverage containers, and a mandate for all containers sold in the state to display a Universal Product Code and barcode. Manufacturers and distributors must apply to form the producer responsibility organization by January 1, 2027, and the bill outlines operational conditions for this organization. Additionally, the handling fee for non-commingled containers is increased from four to five cents, and a new deposit of 15 cents per liquor bottle is established.

The bill also introduces a stewardship plan for beverage container redemption, requiring producers to submit a plan by April 1, 2028, that ensures convenient collection opportunities, with at least three redemption points per county. It sets a goal for beverage container redemption rates of 75% by July 1, 2029, and 80% by July 1, 2032, along with provisions for annual reporting and independent audits of the stewardship program. The bill amends the Waste Management Assistance Fund to include transfers from the Clean Water Fund and allows for grants for bottle bill implementation. Furthermore, it mandates that manufacturers or distributors report recycling information to the Secretary of Natural Resources and repeals the certification requirement for redemption centers effective March 1, 2028, with the overall act taking effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 10-53, 10-7714, 10-1388, 10-6618