In 2024, a new bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom will add wine and liquor bottles to its recycling rebate program.
Currently, consumers in California pay 5 cents per 12-ounce bottle or can and 10 cents per 24-ounces. The new law will include a 25 cent deposit and refund for wine and distilled spirits sold in a box, bag or pouch.
According to SB 1013:
The bill would, as of January 1, 2024, revise the definition of “beverage” to include distilled spirits, wine, or wine from which alcohol has been removed in whole or in part, whether or not sparkling or carbonated, and wine or distilled spirits contained in a beverage container that is a box, bladder, or pouch, or similar container, regardless of the material type from which the beverage container is made. The bill would require a beverage container that is a box, bladder, or pouch, or similar container, containing wine or distilled spirits to have a redemption payment and refund value of $0.25, would exclude a licensed wine or distilled spirits tasting room from the act’s definition of “dealer,” and would limit the exclusions in the act’s definition of “dealer” to the sale of beverages in beverage containers to consumers for consumption onsite, as provided.
Here is the press release:
Landmark Atkins/Dodd Bill to Expand Recycling Program Signed by Governor
SACRAMENTO – Legislation written by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) to add wine and distilled spirits bottles to California’s longtime bottle recycling program has been signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
“California’s bottle bill recycling program has needed fixing for 40 years,” Pro Tem Atkins said. “With SB 1013 we are finally able to include wine and distilled spirit bottles in the program—and when you consider that California generates more than one billion wine and liquor bottles every year, that shows what major progress this legislation is and what an impact it will have. I want to commend the wine industry, distilled spirits industry, environmental advocates, and other groups who worked to improve SB 1013, and I thank the large bipartisan majorities in both houses who voted for it.”
The California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, established in 1986, encourages consumers to recycle beverage containers by requiring them to pay a deposit for eligible bottles. Although the program includes beer, it does not include wine or spirits.
“Today we take a big step toward increasing the recycling rates of millions of bottles that would otherwise wind up in our landfills or be illegally discarded,” said Sen. Dodd. “This new law will greatly benefit California and our recycling system. I commend the governor for signing it and industry groups and environmental advocates who came together on this historic legislation.”
SB 1013 has broad support from public interest recycling groups and community conservation corps.
Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins
Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.
