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SB 57

AN ACT EXEMPTING CERTAIN BEVERAGE CONTAINERS FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BOTTLE BILL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Anderson and 1 co-sponsor

Connecticut bill would exempt certain beverage containers from state's deposit-return recycling system, potentially reducing environmental incentives and participation rates.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#beveragecontainerdeposits
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Bill Summary · SB 57

Legislative bill overview

SB 57 would create exemptions to Connecticut's "Bottle Bill" (the state's beverage container deposit-return system) for certain beverage containers. The bill does not specify which containers would be exempted, making its precise scope unclear from the title alone. This would reduce the types of containers subject to the mandatory 5-cent deposit requirement that currently applies to most beverage containers.

Why is this important

Connecticut's Bottle Bill, enacted in 1978, is one of the nation's oldest deposit-return systems and generates significant revenue for retailers and the state while incentivizing recycling and reducing litter. Any exemptions could affect environmental outcomes, municipal waste management, and the financial incentives that drive consumer participation in the recycling system.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental impact: Exempting containers could reduce recycling rates and increase litter if consumers are no longer incentivized by deposit refunds
  • Beverage industry lobbying: Specific exemptions often benefit particular industries (e.g., energy drinks, sports beverages, or milk containers), raising concerns about corporate influence on environmental policy
  • Revenue effects: Fewer deposits collected could impact the state's revenue and retailers' handling costs
  • Consumer fairness: Creating different rules for similar products may confuse consumers and undermine the system's simplicity and effectiveness

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

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