Bill Name: Beverage containers: supermarkets: reverse vending machines

Bill Number: SB-955

Bill Author(s): Senator Catherine S. Blakespear

Legislative Session / Year: 2025

State: California

AVFCA Position: Support

Bill Synopsis: This bill strengthens California’s beverage container recycling efforts by updating how supermarkets are defined and improving the overall recycling infrastructure. SB 955 raises the minimum gross annual sales requirement for supermarkets, updating which stores qualify as supermarkets under the recycling program, and sets clearer guidelines for the operation of reverse vending machines, allowing them to coexist with traditional recycling centers without disqualifying those centers from receiving handling fees. In turn, this creates greater opportunities for consumers to recycle beverage containers, helping to enhance environmental sustainability across the state.