Bill Summaries: H671 (2011-2012 Session)

Tracking:
  • Summary date: Apr 6 2011 - View summary

    Enacts new GS 130A-309.130 to 130A-309.141 establishing a system for consumer beverage container deposits and refunds. Provides for consumer payment of a deposit of ten cents on certain malt beverage and spirituous liquor containers and five cents for all other beverage containers. Requires clear deposit redemption labeling for all beverage containers offered for sale in NC except certain permanently labeled glass containers. Requires all beverage containers sold in the state to be made of recycled or recyclable materials. Provides for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to increase the amount of the deposit by five cents if return rates are below 75%, as determined every 5 years. Requires retailers to pay distributors the refund value on beverage containers, to receive deposits from the consumers at time of sale, to accept certain empty beverage containers from consumers, and to pay consumers the refund values in cash. Allows retailers to utilize private redemption centers to accept beverage container returns, and sets forth requirements for Department approval of these centers. Requires distributors to accept certain empty beverage containers from retailers and to pay retailers the redemption value plus a handling fee of five cents for every beverage container accepted. Provides that each distributor shall establish separate funds for all deposits received and shall report to the Department the amount of deposits and refunds. Establishes an Unredeemed Beverage Container Deposits Fund, administered by the Department, for receipt of the amount of deposits unredeemed by consumers, to be used to pay the costs of administering the program and the Fund, to reimburse distributors for redemptions and fees that exceed deposits collected, and to be credited to the Inactive Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. Provides a civil penalty for certain violations of the Act. Requires the Department to study various economic and environmental effects of the program and to report to the General Assembly. Allows the Department to adopt rules to implement the Act. Effective January 1, 2012.