CA SB451

Authorizes the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to establish a pilot program for collection and recycling of beverage containers across multiple jurisdictions using bottle bins.

Expands the definition of "beverage" and "beverage container" within the pilot program to include beverages and containers otherwise excluded from the main recycling program.

Requires pilot project operators to submit a three-year plan to the department with goals including achieving 80-percent recycling, determining recycling methods, establishing consumer convenience, and providing annual updates and a final report by April 1, 2026.

Mandates the department to review and approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve pilot project plans within a reasonable timeframe and include annual pilot program updates in its biannual legislative report.

Makes the pilot program provisions inoperative on July 1, 2026, and repeals them on January 1, 2027; declares the bill an urgency statute effective immediately.