Florida bill would allow money in return for bottle deposits

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Rep. Fabian Basabe, R-Miami Beach, and Rep. Marie Paule Woodson, D-Hollywood, Monday co-sponsored a bill allowing a deposit return of up to 15 cents on certain beverage containers.

Under HB 905, beverage items holding six to 25 fluid ounces can be deposited for 10 cents. The proposal also permits that containers of 25 fluid ounces to one gallon may be remitted for 15 cents.

To return, items may be deposited at “mobile redemption centers.” They include locations at residences or businesses on a one-time or regular basis.

Deposits may be collected through “reverse vending machines.” The device would return cash, electronic credit, or a redeemable credit slip on beverage containers.

As defined by the bill, “deposit beverage” includes beer, wine, soda, coffee drinks, and carbonated and non carbonated water. It also lists containers as glass, aluminum, and plastic.

Across the country, 10 states have laws related to bottle deposit returns. They include California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon and Vermont.

Furthermore, beverage items deposited generally carry a return of five or 10 cents, depending on the state. In Maine and Vermont, a 15-cent return is given on liquor items.

While covering many items, liquids not applied include milk, dietary supplements, powders, and frozen liquids.

Similar legislation on beverage container deposits traveled through the Florida Legislature in 2019, with both HB 853 and SB 672 dying in committee.

If passed, HB 905 shall take effect upon becoming law.