Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands the state of Vermont's "Bottle Law."

Highlights:

• Defines “distributor” as every person who engages in the sale of consumer products in containers to a dealer in this State including any manufacturer who engages in such sales. Any dealer or retailer who sells, at the retail level, beverages in containers without having purchased them from a person otherwise classified as a distributor, is a distributor (Sec. 1-4).

• Defines “redemption center” as a store or other location where any person may, during normal business hours, redeem the amount of the deposit for any empty beverage container labeled or certified (Sec. 1-7).

• Defines “secretary” as the Secretary of Natural Resources (Sec. 1-8).

• Requires a deposit of 10 cents to be paid by the consumer on each beverage container sold at the retail level and refunded to the consumer upon return of the empty beverage container. A deposit of 15 cents will be paid by the consumer on each beverage container sold at the retail level and refunded to the consumer upon return of the empty beverage container (Sec. § 1522.a).

• Requires a retailer or a person operating a redemption center who redeems beverage containers shall be reimbursed by the manufacturer or distributor of such beverage containers in an amount that is three and one-half cents per container for containers of beverage brands that are part of a commingling program and 5 cents per container for containers of beverage brands that are not part of a commingling program (Sec. § 1522.b).

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Liquor and Lottery to allow, in the case of liquor bottles, a conspicuous, adhesive sticker to be attached to indicate the deposit information required, provided that the size, placement, and adhesive qualities of the sticker as approved by the Commissioner (Sec. § 1524.b).

• Authorizes the Secretary to allow, in the case of wine bottles, a conspicuous adhesive sticker to be attached to indicate the deposit information, provided that the size, placement, and adhesive qualities of the sticker as approved by the Secretary. The sticker will be affixed by the manufacturer (Sec. § 1524.d).

• Requires any commingling agreement to contain, at a minimum, the following criteria (Sec. 2.b):

• The agreement will include pick up of commingled beverage containers from:

• At least 30% of the beverage containers redeemed in the state State of Vermont; or

• As otherwise approved by the Secretary.

Full Bill Text