Bill > H3573

This bill updates Massachusetts' bottle law by modifying definitions and deposit requirements related to beverage containers, with a specific focus on miniature (small) bottles. The bill expands the definition of "beverage container" to explicitly include miniature bottles, which are defined as sealable containers of 100 milliliters or less primarily made of glass, metal, or plastic. The legislation increases the deposit/redemption value for beverage containers from 1 cent to 3 cents across different types of containers, which could incentivize more recycling. Additionally, the bill includes a provision preventing local municipalities from banning the sale of miniature bottles, though cities and towns that already had such bans in place prior to this bill can continue to enforce them. The changes aim to clarify and update existing regulations around beverage container recycling, with a particular emphasis on small alcohol containers (often referred to as "nips"). The bill appears designed to address litter concerns and promote more consistent recycling practices across the state, as suggested by its acronym CLEAN Act (Containers, Litter, Ecology and Nips).

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3573