Bill > A1079

This bill, known as the "Smart Container Act," aims to reduce litter and improve recycling by requiring a deposit on beverage containers sold in New Jersey. It defines "beverage" broadly to include most drinks but excludes items like milk, soy milk, infant formula, and alcoholic beverages (except beer, malt beverages, and wine products). A "beverage container" is defined as a sealed glass, metal, aluminum, steel, or plastic bottle, can, or jar holding less than one gallon, excluding refillable containers. The act mandates that beverage containers between 8 and 24 ounces will have a $0.10 refund value, while those between 24 ounces and one gallon will have a $0.20 refund value, and all such containers must be marked with "New Jersey" or "N.J." and display their refund value, along with a "smart container bar code" (a universal product code or similar identifier). Distributors must register with the State Treasurer and pay an initial deposit on all beverage containers sold, with these funds going into a "Smart Container Fund" to reimburse retailers and redemption centers for redeemed containers, cover handling costs, and fund environmental programs. Retailers and redemption centers must also register and are responsible for accepting empty containers and paying the refund value, though retailers can limit redemptions to 24 containers per person per day. The act also establishes a public education program and a "Smart Container Act Public Advisory Council" composed of various stakeholders to advise on the implementation of the law, and violations can result in penalties of up to $500 per day.