CT SB00996

Establishes a recycling fee of at least 4 cents on beverage containers (glass, metal, or plastic) containing juices, tea, sports drinks, spirits, or alcohol sold to consumers in Connecticut, effective October 1, 2017.

Requires "recycling fee initiators" (dealers who first collect the fee) to deposit collected fees into special interest-bearing accounts and submit quarterly reports to the Commissioner of Revenue Services, with funds held in trust for the state.

Extends the recycling fee requirement to carbonated beverages (beer, malt beverages, and soft drinks) beginning July 1, 2018, for a 7-year period (through July 1, 2025), replacing the prior deposit system.

Creates a "recycling fee account" with three subaccounts funded by 2 cents per recycling fee to support collectors hauling beverage containers, municipalities experiencing increased tipping fees, and research into beverage container reuse.

Repeals the prior deposit refund system under section 22a-245 and establishes penalties of $50-$500 for violations, with interest charges on late payments.