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Bill

SB 724

RELATING TO DEPOSIT BEVERAGE CONTAINER REDEMPTION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Fukunaga and 1 co-sponsor

SB 724 modifies Hawaii's beverage container deposit redemption program to adjust incentives and management of refundable container returns affecting recycling rates and environmental impact.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 724

Legislative bill overview

SB 724 modifies Hawaii's deposit beverage container redemption system, commonly known as the "bottle bill." The bill adjusts how the state manages refundable deposits on beverage containers to encourage recycling and reduce beverage container waste in the environment.

Why is this important

Hawaii is an island state with limited landfill capacity and significant environmental challenges, making waste reduction critical. Beverage container deposit programs directly influence consumer behavior and recycling rates, affecting both environmental outcomes and the economics of the beverage and recycling industries.

Potential points of contention

  • Deposit amount adjustments: Changes to deposit values may affect consumer participation rates and redemption behavior, creating concerns from both environmentalists (wanting higher incentives) and beverage industry representatives (wanting lower costs)
  • Retailer compliance costs: Retailers often shoulder implementation burdens and may resist expanded responsibilities or requirements for handling returned containers
  • Program administration: Questions about how redemption centers, stores, and distributors coordinate the system, and whether the state adequately reimburses administrative costs

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

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