In the News: Bottle Bill Momentum Grows—And Texas Is Right in the Middle of It

A recent article from Resource Recycling took stock of national momentum behind bottle deposit legislation—and Texas earned a notable mention for its growing role in the movement.

While states like New York, Vermont, and Hawaii advanced or updated longstanding deposit return systems (DRS), Texas made headlines of its own by introducing a first-of-its-kind, market-driven recycling refund bill: HB 2048. Though the legislation didn’t pass this session, it marked a major step forward for smart recycling policy in the Lone Star State—and it’s gaining steam.

What Sets Texas Apart

Unlike more traditional bottle bills, Texas’s approach aims to harness the power of the free market by rewarding efficient, in-state recycling. HB 2048 would have created a no-tax, no-mandate refund system that gives Texans a small cash incentive to return empty beverage containers. The result? Less litter in our rivers and roadways, more clean feedstock for Texas manufacturers, and lower cleanup costs for our cities and counties.

The bill drew support from a diverse coalition—including environmental advocates, business leaders, recycling industry stakeholders, and local officials—showing that clean water and a clean economy aren’t partisan issues.

Why This Matters for Texas Communities

As the Resource Recycling article pointed out, public interest in cleaner, more efficient recycling systems is growing nationwide. In Texas, it’s especially urgent. Litter clogs our storm drains, pollutes our waterways, and drives up costs for municipal governments. Deposit systems like the one proposed in HB 2048 are a proven solution—achieving container recycling rates over 80% in other states, while Texas lags well below half that.

But this isn’t just about recycling—it’s about economic growth and public health. Cleaner cities attract investment. More recycled content supports domestic manufacturing. And every bottle or can kept out of the water means safer, more beautiful places for Texans to live, work, and play.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 legislative session laid the groundwork. What happens next is up to us.

As bottle bill efforts stall in some parts of the country due to industry pressure or political gridlock, Texas has a real opportunity to lead—not just regionally, but nationally—by showing how a conservative, pro-business state can take action that’s both environmentally responsible and economically smart.