A resolution supporting HB3350/SB3616, which would establish a state deposit and recycling program for beverage containers.

WHEREAS, over the past several years, the Metropolitan Council has appropriated millions of dollars to fund the Metropolitan Government's recycling program in an effort to reduce the amount of waste Davidson County places in landfills; and

WHEREAS, HB3350 sponsored by Representative Johnson and SB3616 sponsored by Senator McNally, which are currently pending in the Tennessee General Assembly, would enact the "Tennessee Deposit Beverage Container Recycling Act of 2006"; and

WHEREAS, the Tennessee Deposit Beverage Container Recycling Act of 2006 would require every beverage distributor in Tennessee to pay a five cent deposit per container to the state of Tennessee beginning January 1, 2008, passing on the costs to the retailers and consumers; and

WHEREAS, the five cent deposit would be redeemable by consumers upon the return of empty containers to redemption centers; and

WHEREAS, the first $10 million in unclaimed refunds would be allocated to the Tennessee Department of Transportation to be used exclusively for the continued funding of the existing county litter grants program and recycling education; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council is of the opinion that the enactment of the Tennessee Deposit Beverage Container Recycling Act of 2006 would go a long way toward reducing roadside litter in Davidson County and would further limit the amount of trash placed in landfills.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as supporting HB3350/SB3616, which would establish a state deposit and recycling program for beverage containers.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Mike Jameson