Implementation of the Guam Beverage Container Recycling Act aka Bottle Bill
Overview Public Law 30-221: Enacted December 30, 2010 The Guam EPA Board of Directors has the responsibility to implement the Bottle Bill Advisory Committee established on April 2011. Draft Rules and Regulations, 4th Revision Working with Hawaii and USEPA
Our Challenges
Amendments to Statute: - Section 44103 (m) and 44109: defines the Deposit Fee and Recycling Fee Payout -Section 44105: exempts the on premise consumption of beverages from Deposit Fee
Our Challenges Authorization needed to hire additional staff and identify funding source. Eliminate Triple A Process from Rate Setting section. Include enforcement authority for the Bottle Bill.
Potential Funding Source Start up costs Recycling Revolving Fund (RRF): Need to “borrow” funds to support Bottle Bill and hiring of 5 FTE for bottle bill implementation. PL 31-140 (November 2011) Restricts Governor from transfer authority
The Way Forward Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) -Voluntary agreement with Department of Defense (DOD) Distributors, Wholesalers, and Retail Establishments -Identify and register all that sell deposit containers. Redemption Centers -Need to determine the number, location, and operation times for the convenience of consumers.
The Way Forward Accounting System -Tracking of monies collected from wholesalers, distributors, and retail establishments -Payout to Redemption Centers, 10 Day Turnaround Enforcement -Compliance for inspections of all wholesalers, distributors, retail establishments, and redemption centers
The Way Forward Training -Current and new staff need training on all aspects of program. Public Outreach - Extensive and strategic Outreach and Education for consumers, wholesalers ,distributors, retailers, recycling facility operators prior to implementation. Request for Proposals - Hire a contractor to begin implementation
Thank You. Si Yu’us Ma’ase. Sabrina Cruz Sablan Special Projects Coordinator