Connecticut lawmakers push for enforcement funding in bottle redemption program

Connecticut's Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee convened on April 14, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding the state's bottle redemption program and proposed taxation on sweetened beverages. A key focus of the meeting was House Bill 7271, which aims to study the challenges of cross-border bottle redemption, a growing concern as out-of-state residents exploit Connecticut's bottle deposit system.

Advocates, including representatives from the Connecticut Legal Conservation Voters, emphasized the need for enhanced enforcement of existing laws to curb the influx of out-of-state containers being redeemed in Connecticut. They highlighted that the bottle bill generated $67 million in revenue from unredeemed deposits last year, suggesting that a portion of these funds should be allocated for enforcement and public education efforts to improve recycling rates. Currently, Connecticut's redemption rates remain below 50%, a figure that advocates argue reflects a failure in public education rather than the bottle bill itself.

During the discussions, lawmakers debated the effectiveness of the bottle bill and the potential for transitioning to a more direct environmental tax model. Some representatives expressed skepticism about the bottle bill's success, citing the need for a comprehensive review of recycling strategies, including the possibility of implementing a deposit on nips, which have become a significant litter issue.

In addition to the bottle bill discussions, the committee also heard opposition to House Bill 7273, which proposes a sweetened beverage tax. Industry representatives warned that this tax could lead to a 27% increase in beverage prices, significantly impacting consumers and local businesses. They argued that such a tax would disproportionately affect low-income households and could drive consumers to neighboring states, exacerbating existing cross-border shopping issues.

As the committee continues to deliberate on these critical issues, the outcomes of these discussions could have lasting implications for Connecticut's environmental policies and economic landscape. The focus remains on finding effective solutions to enhance recycling efforts while balancing the economic impacts of proposed taxation.