An act to amend Section 42474.5 of the Public Resources Code, relating to recycling. amend, repeal, and add Section 14560 of the Public Resources Code, relating to beverage containers.
Summary
SB 674 makes two related changes to California recycling law. First, it revises the beverage container redemption system for certain wine and distilled spirits containers sold in boxes, bladders, pouches, or similar packaging. Under the bill, those containers would keep the current $0.25 redemption payment and refund value through December 31, 2025, but beginning January 1, 2026, smaller containers under 24 fluid ounces would drop to $0.10 while larger containers would remain at $0.25. The bill also gives dealers until January 15, 2026, to update shelf labels for products whose redemption payment changes. Second, the bill makes a nonsubstantive clarification to the Electronic Waste Recycling Act provision authorizing DTSC enforcement through hazardous waste control laws.
Impact
The bill would amend and then repeal/re-enact Public Resources Code Section 14560, changing the redemption payment and refund value structure for a narrow category of beverage containers in the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act. It would lower the deposit/refund amount for smaller wine and distilled spirits containers in flexible packaging from $0.25 to $0.10, while preserving the higher amount for larger containers, and it would affect distributors, dealers, consumers redeeming containers, CalRecycle, and alcohol beverage permit holders. The bill also makes a technical change to Section 42474.5 confirming DTSC enforcement authority under the Electronic Waste Recycling Act. Because the measure expands the scope of a crime under the beverage container law, it is treated as creating a state-mandated local program, though the bill states no reimbursement is required.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been received favorably in legislative review, with unanimous committee votes at each recorded stage and a 38-0 Senate third reading vote. The committee history suggests broad support or at least no recorded opposition in the votes available. However, the bill was also held in committee and under submission at one point, indicating some caution or unresolved policy or fiscal review before it advanced.
Contention
The main policy issue is the change in redemption value for smaller wine and distilled spirits containers in flexible packaging. Supporters likely view the bill as a targeted adjustment to align redemption payments with container size and administrative realities, while any concern would center on whether lowering the refund value from $0.25 to $0.10 could reduce consumer return incentives and affect recycling rates for that packaging type. A secondary point is the bill’s enforcement provisions tying nonpayment by direct shippers to prohibition on offering the brand for sale in California, which could be sensitive for out-of-state producers and alcohol distributors. No specific opposition is recorded in the provided votes, but the committee hold suggests the measure may have required further review before moving forward.