Resolve, To Decrease Landfill Costs and Protect the Environment through a Beverage Container Reuse Program

Sec. 1. Beverage container reuse program. Resolved: That the Executive Department, State Planning Office, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Human Services, shall study the economics of a beverage container reuse program in the State. In conducting the study, the State Planning Office shall consider the following issues:

1. Requirements for bottle standards, such as similar size, shape and color, so that bottles are interchangeable;

2. Redemption center procedures;

3. Responsibility for collection of the empty bottles from redemption centers;

4. Required bottle-washing machinery;

5. Bottle integrity, including bottle strength and durability;

6. Handling fees;

7. Transport distances in the State;

8. Out-of-state production of beverages;

9. The number of redemption facilities available in the State; and

10. Associated energy costs; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Executive Department, State Planning Office shall submit a report on the issues identified in section 1, including recommendations and suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources by January 5, 2008. Following receipt and review of the report, the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.

summary

This resolve directs the Executive Department, State Planning Office, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Human Services, to study the economics of a beverage container reuse program in Maine.