Bill > H3464

This bill updates Massachusetts' existing bottle deposit law by expanding and modernizing the beverage container recycling system. The legislation increases the deposit value from 5 to 10 cents per container and introduces comprehensive changes to improve recycling rates, including mandating universal product codes (UPCs) on containers by 2026. The bill establishes ambitious recycling targets, requiring 65% container redemption by 2027, escalating to 95% by 2036, and introducing a return and refill system with goals of 25% container reuse by 2030 and 50% by 2040. It also creates a new Clean Environment Fund that will use the collected deposits to support environmental programs, with at least 40% dedicated to recycling, composting, and waste reduction projects. The bill expands the definition of beverage containers to include more types of containers and materials, increases handling fees for dealers and redemption centers, and introduces stricter enforcement mechanisms, including potential fines up to $10,000 for violations and allowing citizens to bring civil actions to enforce the law. Distributors will be required to annually report detailed information about their beverage container sales, and containers must display clear refund value information. The updated law is set to take effect on December 31, 2025.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3464