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Bill

Bill

SB 299

AN ACT CONCERNING REDEMPTION OF OUT-OF-STATE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aundré Bumgardner and 5 co-sponsors

Connecticut law now allows residents to redeem out-of-state beverage containers for deposit refunds, expanding its recycling incentive system beyond state borders.

TRANSMITTED TO SECRETARY OF THE STATE
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 299

Legislative bill overview

SB 299 allows Connecticut residents to redeem beverage containers purchased out-of-state for the state's deposit refund, expanding eligibility beyond containers bought within Connecticut. The bill modifies Connecticut's existing bottle deposit system to recognize and process out-of-state beverage containers that meet deposit requirements.

Why is this important

Connecticut's bottle deposit system incentivizes recycling through refundable deposits, and this expansion addresses practical equity issues—residents who purchase beverages across state lines (common in border regions) can now claim deposits previously forfeited. This could increase recycling participation and reduce consumer friction with the existing system.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden and fraud risk: Verifying out-of-state containers and preventing cross-state container importation for profit could complicate retailer operations and state enforcement
  • Budget impact: Expanded redemptions may increase state costs for processing, storage, and refund distribution without corresponding revenue increases
  • Interstate commerce concerns: Other states may challenge whether this arrangement unfairly advantages Connecticut retailers or creates unequal competitive conditions in border regions

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

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