"Beverage Container Deposit Act"; requires use of returnable beverage containers in NJ and establishes deposit and refund system to facilitate return of such containers to manufacturers for reuse or proper disposal.

This bill establishes a container deposit and refund system for beverage containers in New Jersey. It requires all filled beverage containers sold in the state to be returnable containers with a $0.10 deposit, clearly marked with "New Jersey" and the refund value. Consumers pay the $0.10 deposit when purchasing beverages and can return empty containers to dealers or redemption centers for a cash refund. The bill affects manufacturers (who must create returnable containers), distributors (who must originate the deposit), dealers (who collect the deposit and issue refunds), and consumers (who pay the deposit and receive refunds). Moneys from unclaimed deposits will fund environmental cleanup and prevention programs.