CT SB01236

Repeals and replaces Section 22a-245a regarding beverage container deposit requirements and the deposit of unclaimed funds into the General Fund

Requires the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to calculate and publish annually by August 1, 2024, the state-wide beverage container redemption rate (redeemed containers divided by containers sold)

Establishes a tiered payment schedule for deposit initiators to pay unclaimed balances to the General Fund, with percentages ranging from 5% to 95% depending on the fiscal year and redemption rates achieved

For fiscal years 2026-2028 and beyond, payment percentages are contingent on meeting specific redemption rate thresholds, ranging from 5% payment at 80%+ redemption to 45% payment at 65% or less redemption

Imposes penalties of 10% of amounts due (or $50 minimum, whichever is greater) for late payments and interest at 1% per month, and allows deposit initiators to claim credits for containers donated to charitable purposes