HB1679

The math is pretty simple - the 2025 NH Waste Characterization Study shows that nearly 20% of the waste that goes into our landfills from in-state sources is plastic or glass (19.4%). The 2023-2024 NH DES Biennial Solid Waste Report shows that between 2020 and 2024, recycling rates have fallen from just under 21% to less than 17%. We are headed in the wrong direction. Studies show conclusively that bottle redemption systems work - states with such systems see recycling rates of 60-70%, while states (like NH) without such systems have recycling rates between 20-30%. Burying more recyclable material, especially plastic, should not be the New Hampshire Way.

this topic has been been on the NH back burner for way too long .... our roadsides are littered with bottles. Other states have made bottles return to glass or metal recycling where they belong. It is time to do the right thing.

This program has worked very effectively in neighboring states,

I support this bill because I think it will help solve landfill problems. People will be more likely to recycle bottles, if there is a financial reason to do so.

Support this bill so our land fill locations will not fill up as fast.

I support this bill. Prior to moving to NH, I lived in Maine where a beverage container redemption plan had been in place for many years. Generated good revenue for the state, kept the roadsides cleaner which saved on clean-up costs, and kept materials out of the landfill. States with redemption programs have much higher participation rates than in those states that just have recycling programs. We need to keep more materials out of our landfills.

This bill will help solve landfill problems by removing beverage containers from solid waste with a refundable deposit system. 11 states now have such laws, so we have models for best practices. U.S. overall bottle recycling rate averages 33%, while states with container deposit laws average 70%.

NH's Waste Management Plan set the goal of cutting waste 25% by 2030. A beverage container deposit system will keep bottles out of the landfill, helping to reach that 25% goal. Other states have successfully mounted beverage container programs, so we have examples of best practices (and what to avoid). A well-planned program pays for itself.

Clean up our public landscapes and lessen landfills.

Members of the NH House of Representatives represent us, the NH citizenry. The public's comments must be known and reported out of each legislative committee to ensure transparency. I would support paying representatives more if it means that this process would be carried out.

This program is long overdue in NH