The landscape of beverage container recycling is experiencing a wave of change in 2025 as more states contemplate or expand bottle redemption fees—also known as “bottle bills.” These policy efforts, designed to reduce litter and boost recycling, have direct implications for the wine industry nationwide.
A Snapshot of Recent Activity
- California: As of January 1, 2024, California’s Bottle Bill now includes wine and distilled spirits. A 5¢ deposit applies to smaller bottles, 10¢ to wine bottles of 24oz or more (like the standard 750ml format), and 25¢ to box, bladder, or pouch containers. These requirements also apply to out-of-state direct wine shippers, who must register with CalRecycle and pay the appropriate fees. Wineries must update labels (“CA CRV”) and reporting processes, with penalties for non-compliance now in effect.
- Massachusetts: Efforts to update the 40-year-old bottle bill have accelerated, with legislation proposing to double the deposit to 10¢, expand coverage to more beverage types (including wine), and build mechanisms for regular fee adjustments. The proposed expansion is tied to broader climate and waste reduction strategies.
- Maryland & Texas: Both have introduced comprehensive bottle bills in 2025. Maryland’s model, for example, sets a 10¢ deposit on most beverage containers and 15¢ for larger ones. The program aims for a 90% redemption rate by 2032 and would require wine containers to participate. Texas’ proposal emphasizes harmonizing curbside and deposit systems but is still working through legislative hurdles.
- Rhode Island & Washington, D.C.: Rhode Island is actively considering a bottle bill for the first time, while D.C. has advanced new legislation modeled after proven systems in Oregon and Michigan.
The Trend Toward Inclusion of Wine Bottles
Many existing bottle bills historically excluded wine bottles, but that is rapidly changing. California’s expansion is the most high-profile example, but legislation in states like New York and Massachusetts is also discussing broad coverage for glass wine bottles. Oregon will require deposits on wine in cans starting July 1, 2025, signaling more evolution to come.
Why This Matters to the Wine Industry
- Operational Impact: Wineries now face new administrative and financial responsibilities in states like California—including labeling, reporting, and payment compliance.
- Direct-to-Consumer Shipping: Bottle bills increasingly apply to out-of-state shipments, requiring DTC wineries to register and pay deposits for containers shipped into bottle bill states.
- Higher Costs, Greater Complexity: More states are considering or expanding bottle bills, raising costs and administrative burdens for wineries, particularly those shipping nationally.
- Environmental Branding: On the positive side, participating in such programs aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable practices and responsible stewardship.
Looking Ahead
The push for bottle deposit expansion is building momentum, with at least ten states introducing new or expanded bills in the last two years. While there are implementation hurdles and cost considerations—especially for the wine sector—these laws are increasingly seen as an inevitable piece of the future recycling framework.
For wineries and brands, understanding each state’s requirements now is essential. Stay proactive: track changing regulations, update compliance and logistics systems, and consider how participation can reinforce your sustainability story to customers.
Freestyle Wine Consulting can help you stay ahead of new regulations impacting your compliance, shipping, and sustainability strategies as the bottle bill landscape continuities to evolve.