Tennessee Current Campaigns
Tennessee Bottle Bill Campaign: HB 3429 / SB 3469
Summary
SB 3469 would put a phased-in deposit on beverages, culiminating in a $0.05 fee in 2012, excluding milk, wine and liquor.
Status
SB 3469 is in the Senate Environment, Conservation, and Tourism Committee.
HB 3429, which is identical to SB 3469, was recently withdrawn from consideration in the House State and Local Government Committee because it did not have enough votes to pass. The sponsor, Representative McDonald, has said that he plans to reintroduce the bill next year.
Details
SB 3469 proposes a phased $0.05 deposit on beverage containers to help reduce litter and increase Tennessee's current 10% container recycling rate. Other provisions include:
- Empty beverage containers could be dropped off at independent "redemption centers" or reverse vending machines. These may be owned by individuals, nonprofits, scrap dealers, local governments, and existing convenience centers and businesses, including grocery stores.
- Redemption centers would be supported by the value of the scrap, plus a $.01/container handling fee from a central fund of unclaimed deposits, accrued interest, and any fines or penalties.
- The state or a designated third party would manage the program, with all costs covered by the fund.
- Beverage distributors would pay only a flat fee of 1/8 of a cent per container, which would be used strictly to continue their funding of the state's county litter crews, litter education, and Keep Tennessee Beautiful.
Take Action!
Send a letter supporting SB 3469 now!
Contacts
Representative Michael Ray McDonald
C4R Contacts: Rachel Vida 916-551-1751
