summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Enacting The "south Carolina Beverage Container Recycling Act" By Adding Chapter 97 To Title 44 So As To Establish A Beverage Container Recycling Program By Which Beverage Distributors Operating Within South Carolina Are Required To Register With The Department Of Revenue And Pay The Department Of Revenue Deposits On Beverage Containers Collected From Dealers Or Consumers, With Certain Exceptions; To Establish An Initial Refund Value For Deposit Beverage Containers; To Create A Deposit Beverage Container Fund In The Office Of The State Treasurer To Be Used For Certain Purposes; To Require The Comptroller General To Conduct Audits Of The Deposit Beverage Container Program; To Provide For The Operation Of Redemption Centers For The Collection And Processing Of Deposit Beverage Containers Regulated By The Department Of Environmental Services; To Establish Requirements For Operation Of Certified Redemption Centers; To Require Reporting By The Department Of Environmental Services And The Department Of Revenue; To Authorize Certain State Agencies To Promulgate Regulations To Implement The Provisions Of The Chapter; To Provide For The Establishment Of An Advisory Committee To Make Recommendations Regarding Regulations; To Establish Penalties And The Right To Challenge The Imposition Of Penalties Through An Administrative Hearing; And For Other Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the South Carolina Beverage Container Recycling Act, which creates a comprehensive recycling program for beverage containers in the state. Beginning April 1, 2027, the bill requires beverage distributors to register with the Department of Revenue and pay a five-cent deposit on each beverage container manufactured or imported into the state. Dealers will charge consumers this deposit at the point of sale, and consumers can redeem the deposit by returning empty containers to certified redemption centers, which can take various forms such as store-based collection points, mobile centers, or reverse vending machines. The program aims to increase recycling rates by providing a financial incentive for container returns, with detailed regulations covering container types, redemption processes, and administrative requirements. The bill establishes a deposit beverage container fund to manage program finances, requires periodic audits by the Comptroller General, and creates an advisory committee to help develop implementation regulations. Violations of the program's provisions can result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, with specific provisions to prevent fraud such as attempting to redeem containers not originally sold in South Carolina.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources (on 01/13/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=0750&session=126&summary=B |
| Fiscal Note - S0750 2025-12-10 Prefiled | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/fiscalimpactstatements/S0750%202025-12-10%20prefiled.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/750_20251210.htm |
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