AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BEVERAGE CONTAINERS RECYCLING ACT

Senate Bill 997 establishes the "Beverage Container Recycling Act," creating a statewide system for recycling certain beverage containers. The bill defines various terms, including which beverages and containers are covered by the program and who is considered a "producer" (brand owner) responsible for compliance. It outlines mechanisms for consumers to return empty containers, such as "express redemption sites" (like reverse vending machines) and "full-service redemption sites," to receive a refund value. This system aims to promote the recycling of drinkable liquids sold in prepackaged containers.