SB3336 amends Hawaii’s integrated solid waste management and beverage container deposit laws to expand the scope of the state’s bottle deposit and glass recovery programs. The bill increases the size limit for both “deposit glass beverage containers” and “deposit beverage containers” from 68 fluid ounces to 128 fluid ounces, which would bring larger containers into the deposit system. It also revises the definition of “deposit beverage” to expressly include wine, spirits, mixed spirits, milk, and other dairy-derived products, while retaining a list of exclusions for items such as syrups, concentrates, infant formula, frozen products, instant drink powders, soups, and broths.
The bill further changes the glass advance disposal fee structure by limiting that fee to glass containers that are not deposit glass beverage containers. It also broadens the definition of “glass recovery program” to include use of recovered glass in building materials, in addition to existing uses such as reuse, recycling, roadway materials, concrete, and aggregate substitute. The measure is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
In practical terms, SB3336 would expand the number and types of beverage containers subject to Hawaii’s deposit and recovery requirements, potentially increasing redemption, reuse, and recycling activity for larger glass and beverage containers. It would also create a clearer statutory basis for using recovered glass in building materials, which could affect recyclers, manufacturers, importers, and retailers participating in the deposit beverage container program.
The available legislative history shows no recorded votes or committee testimony, so there is no documented floor or hearing sentiment to assess. Based on the bill’s framing and description, the measure appears to be aimed at strengthening recycling and reuse outcomes, suggesting a generally pro-environment and waste-reduction policy intent.
Potential points of contention likely center on the expanded container size threshold and the broadened beverage definitions, especially the inclusion of wine, spirits, and dairy products. Those changes could impose new compliance, labeling, redemption, and fee obligations on importers and distributors, and may raise operational concerns for businesses that would newly fall under the program.
SB3336 would amend Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 342G by changing the definitions governing the beverage container deposit law and glass recovery program. It would expand the deposit system to larger containers up to 128 fluid ounces, extend the definition of deposit beverage to additional product categories, and limit the glass advance disposal fee to non-deposit glass containers. It would also authorize recovered glass for use in building materials, affecting importers, distributors, recyclers, and other participants in the state’s solid waste and container redemption framework.
The bill’s stated purpose and description indicate a generally supportive, environmental policy orientation focused on recycling, reuse, and waste diversion. However, because there were no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislators, agencies, or stakeholders in the available record. The overall sentiment can therefore only be characterized as likely favorable to solid-waste reduction goals, with implementation concerns left unrecorded in the materials provided.
The main likely points of contention are the expansion of the deposit program to larger containers and the inclusion of wine, spirits, milk, and dairy-derived products in the definition of deposit beverage. These changes could increase costs and administrative burdens for beverage importers, distributors, and retailers, while supporters would likely argue they improve recycling rates and reduce landfill waste. Another possible issue is the new use of recovered glass in building materials, which may raise questions about standards, market demand, and product safety or performance.