The deposit would be 10 cents a bottle. Consumers can get their dime back if they return their bottle. According to the Center for Environmental Studies at San Jose State University, California’s container recycling rate is 75%.
The deposit tax would include all 1.3 million alcohol containers — glass and plastic bottles, aluminum and boxes. Supporters say less than one-third of wine and spirits bottles are recycled. The measure is backed by the Wine Institute, which says it is the fastest way to “achieve our recycling goals.” Government officials are interested in the idea not only for whatever environmental benefits there may be, be also because of the additional revenue it may generate for the state.