Bill > HB2048

This bill establishes a comprehensive beverage container recycling program in Texas that requires producers to form a nonprofit consortium responsible for creating and implementing a recycling plan with a goal of achieving a 75% recycling rate for beverage containers by January 1, 2035. The program mandates that all beverage containers sold in the state must have a deposit and follow specific labeling standards, and consumers can receive a refund when they return empty containers to approved redemption centers. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will oversee the program, with the ability to audit the consortium and potentially withhold funds if recycling targets are not met. The consortium will be responsible for establishing quality standards for container returns, creating labeling requirements, and managing a recycling refund trust fund that can be used for redemption center operations, refund payments, consumer education, and program administration. The bill defines "beverage containers" broadly but excludes certain types of containers like milk containers, infant formula containers, and medical food containers. The program is set to begin implementation in January 2028, with initial rules to be adopted by September 2026, and the Texas Comptroller will have oversight to require financial information and conduct audits of the program.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2048