California Passes Short-Term Beverage-Recycling Fix

California Grocers Association continues working on a long-term legislative fix to restore 'landmark' program.

March 04, 2010

NEW YORK, NY - The California Legislature inched closer to resolving €" at least in the short-term €" a solution to the state's Beverage Container Recycling Program, passing a bill that has moved to Governor Schwarzenegger's desk for final approval, Progressive Grocer reports.

The bill temporarily accelerates distributor payments into the fund while temporarily reducing non-core expenditures. Additionally, it prohibits future borrowing from the Beverage Container Recycling Fund (BCRF).

"CGA [California Grocers Association] met with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to stress the importance of approving this bill," said CGA president Ronald Fong. "This measure is important not only because it restores the program to solvency through June, but it [also] sets important precedents for issues the grocery industry will seek on a permanent basis."

If Governor Schwarzenegger signs the bill, recyclers should find relief€"albeit short-term€"within 30 days.

"This is only the beginning, though," cautioned Fong. "CGA is seeking through legislation a long-term legislative fix that will restore and improve this landmark program."

Still to be addressed are prioritizing fund expenditures, addressing citing issues, and updating a convenience zone system that hinders both competition and convenience.

For more information on the precarious financial state of California's recycling efforts, see this NACS Daily story.

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