H.F. 4868 Summary

• Establishes a statewide beverage container deposit program requiring 10 cents refund for containers under 24 fluid ounces and 15 cents for 24 ounces or more, effective July 1, 2023.

• Creates a single producer responsibility organization (nonprofit) that distributors and importers must join to manage redemption infrastructure including bag drop programs, reverse vending machines, and processing facilities.

• Sets performance targets requiring 75% redemption after two years of full labeling, 85% after four years, and 90% after six years, with escalating penalties and commissioner takeover authority for non-compliance.

• Requires retailers (based on size and sales volume) to accept containers for refund or permit organization to install redemption equipment; mandates universal labeling on containers with state name and refund value.

• Establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 per day and criminal penalties including jail time up to one year and fines up to $10,000 for fraud such as redeeming out-of-state containers or containers already redeemed.