Bill > SB674

This bill modifies the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act by specifically reducing the redemption payment and refund value for certain wine or distilled spirit beverage containers with a capacity of less than 24 fluid ounces from $0.25 to $0.10, effective January 1, 2026. The bill maintains the existing redemption payment structure for most beverage containers, which ranges from 4 to 10 cents depending on container size and overall recycling rates, and continues to require distributors to pay monthly redemption payments to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). The legislation also gives dealers until January 15, 2026, to update shelf labels to reflect the new redemption values. Notably, the bill expands the scope of a crime by changing these redemption payment requirements, which technically creates a state-mandated local program. However, the bill includes a provision stating that no reimbursement is required for local agencies because the changes relate to criminal penalty definitions. The bill does not apply to refillable beverage containers and includes technical provisions about direct shipping of beverages and enforcement mechanisms.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB674