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SB 1115

AN ACT CONCERNING ENFORCEMENT OF CROSS-BORDER BOTTLE REDEMPTION PROHIBITIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Larry Butler and 3 co-sponsors

SB 1115 enforces Connecticut's bottle deposit system by prohibiting redemption of out-of-state purchased containers, protecting state environmental funding from cross-border arbitrage losses.

FAV. RPT., TAB. FOR CAL., SEN.
#beveragecontainerdeposits #energyandenvironmentalprotection #departmentof #fines(penalties) #records #revenueservices #vendingmachines #violations
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Bill Summary · SB 1115

Legislative bill overview

SB 1115 establishes enforcement mechanisms to prevent consumers from redeeming beverage containers purchased out-of-state in Connecticut's bottle return system. Connecticut has a 5-cent deposit law on certain beverages, and this bill aims to stop cross-border "bottle redemption arbitrage"—where people buy bottles in lower-cost neighboring states and return them in Connecticut for the deposit refund.

Why is this important

Connecticut's bottle deposit fund supports state environmental programs and infrastructure. Without enforcement, out-of-state bottle returns could deplete the fund faster than intended, shifting costs onto Connecticut consumers and businesses. The bill addresses a real fiscal gap created by the state's deposit system being vulnerable to interstate commerce dynamics.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement practicality: Retailers may struggle to verify where bottles originated; implementation costs could burden small businesses already handling returns
  • Interstate commerce concerns: Legal challenges may arise under the Commerce Clause if the bill discriminates against out-of-state commerce or is deemed an unreasonable burden on interstate trade
  • Consumer inconvenience: Restrictions could frustrate legitimate multi-state travelers and create confusion about which bottles are returnable where

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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