HB 11-1247: Deposit Beverage Container Program

• Creates a deposit beverage container program fully implemented by January 1, 2013, requiring a 5-cent deposit on beer, spirits, wine, tea, coffee, soda, and water in containers of 64 fluid ounces or less

• Requires deposit beverage distributors to register with the Department of Revenue by September 1, 2011, and pay a container fee starting October 1, 2011 (0.5 cents per container initially, scaling to 1-1.5 cents based on recovery rates after 2013)

• Dealers must redeem deposits unless located within 2 miles of a redemption center in high-density areas, sell only through vending machines, or have less than 5,000 square feet of retail space

• Creates the Deposit Beverage Container Fund supported by container fees and deposits, with unredeemed deposit revenues distributed as follows: 10% to recycling resources, 40% to K-12 education, and 50% for program administration and recycling education

• Department of Revenue administers the program with oversight from an advisory committee; State Auditor must audit the program by July 1, 2014