SB 452 (Glazer) Bottle Bill Fix
 

Overview: SB 452 would help keep recycling centers open during these uncertain recycling times by increasing the financial assistance they receive from the State. California's Beverage Container Recycling Program has been the most successful "Bottle Bill" program in the United States since it's implementation in 1987. However, California's Bottle Bill program is currently in a state of crisis. Falling scrap values and outdated regulatory provisions have reduced financial support for California's recycling infrastructure to unsustainable levels.

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  • Payment levels to Curbside and Buyback Recycling Programs are down more than $30 million—despite a program fund surplus of more than $200 million

  • Nearly 1000 recycling centers have closed since peak recycling in 2013, roughly 38% of the statewide total, leaving many Californians without redemption opportunities.

  • California's beverage container recycling rate has fallen below 80% for the first time since 2008. This drop in recycling is equivalent to an additional 1.7 million beverage containers littered or landfilled every day

Bill Summary: Stakeholders agree that long-term program updates are needed, but California's recycling infrastructure needs an immediate fix. SB 452 contains elements for a short-term bottle bill fix that have been analyzed, heard, and passed by the State Assembly in 2017, including the following:

  1. Increasing Processing Payments to 2015 levels

  2. Allocating $3 million in surplus funds to establish recycling opportunities in rural and other underserved areas

  3. Redirecting State enforcement resources from outdated and inefficient store ‘take back’ requirements to siting and supporting full-service community recycling locations

Position & Status: CAW is supporting the bill.

  • Introduced February 17th, 2017

  • Amended April 4, 2018 to include provisions for the Bottle Bill Fix

  • Amended April 24, 2018 to take technical amendments and accept Co-Authors

  • Passed the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on June 26, 2018

  • Passed Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 17, 2018

  • Passed Assembly Floor Vote on August 29, 2018

  • Passed Senate Environmental Quality August 30, 2018

  • Passed Senate Floor Concurrence vote on August 31, 2018

  • Vetoed by Governor on September 30th, 2018

CAW Staff Contact: Mark Murray, Kelly McBee (916) 443-5422

Read the Governor’s Veto Message Here

Current language, analysis, and votes