Senate Bill No. 191, also known as File No. 154, is a legislative proposal aimed at reducing food waste and combating beverage container redemption fraud. The bill repeals sections (d) and (e) of section 22a-226e of the 2024 supplement to the general statutes, which previously established a voluntary pilot program for the recycling of source-separated organic materials, and replaces them with new requirements. By January 1, 2025, commercial entities such as food wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, and others must implement a written policy for food donation programs. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to include residentially generated food scraps as a recyclable item by July 1, 2025, and mandates municipalities to establish food scrap separation and recycling programs by January 1, 2028.

The bill further addresses the issue of bottle bill fraud by prohibiting the redemption of out-of-state beverage containers or containers that have already been redeemed, effective immediately upon passage. It requires the posting of a "Redemption Warning" sign at redemption centers and makes such fraud an unfair trade practice under the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. The bill has received a Joint Favorable vote from the Environment Committee and includes minor, technical, and conforming changes. The fiscal impact statement notes potential costs to the Department of Consumer Protection and the State Comptroller starting in FY 25, with a potential minimal revenue gain from bottle escheats. The bill's provisions are set to take effect on October 1, 2024, except for the bottle bill fraud provision, which is effective upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ENV Joint Favorable:
File No. 154: