What Are Bottle Bills—and Why Don’t We Have Them in Texas?
If you’re a beverage producer or consumer in Texas, you may have heard about bottle bills in other states—but what exactly are they? And why hasn’t Texas adopted one?
As liquor attorneys helping clients navigate liquor laws nationwide, we often get asked whether container deposit systems apply in Texas.
These laws aren’t just limited to alcoholic beverages; they also impact the distribution and sale of liquor and beer in bottle bill states. While liquor attorneys across the country advise clients on how to stay compliant with these return systems, Texas liquor law currently doesn’t include this kind of program.
Let’s explore how these laws work, why they’ve become common nationwide, and why Texas has taken a different route.
What Is a Bottle Bill?
Also known as Container Deposit Laws, bottle bills require consumers to pay a small deposit (usually 5 to 10 cents) when buying beverages in cans or bottles. That deposit is refunded when the container is returned to a designated recycling point.
These systems are designed to reduce litter, increase recycling, and encourage responsible packaging. And they work—many nationwide programs see return rates over 80%.
However, this type of liquor law only applies in states that have passed specific legislation.
Only 10 states currently operate a bottle bill system:
California
Oregon
Michigan
Vermont
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
Connecticut
Iowa
Hawaii
Each state has different guidelines, and if you sell or distribute beverages nationwide, it’s crucial to work with a liquor attorney familiar with each state’s laws to stay compliant.
Do Bottle Bills Apply in Texas?
No. Texas does not currently have a bottle bill. Despite ongoing advocacy from environmental groups, no container deposit law has passed in the state.
Texas liquor law relies on local recycling programs and voluntary initiatives. There are no legal requirements for deposits or container returns for alcoholic beverage products.
So if your operation is based solely in Texas, bottle bills don't apply—but if you sell nationwide, it's still something to keep in mind.
Why Do Bottle Bills Matter to the Liquor Industry?
Bottle bills are more than just recycling laws—they’re a piece of the liquor law puzzle. They can affect:
Packaging requirements
Distribution logistics
Labeling and compliance
Customer refund processes
If you're launching a product or expanding into other states, a knowledgeable liquor attorney can help you navigate which laws apply and how to comply.
Are There Benefits to a Bottle Bill System?
States that have enacted deposit return systems report:
Cleaner streets and parks due to reduced litter
Higher recycling rates (often double the national average)
Increased collection of high-quality recyclables
Job creation in the recycling and logistics sectors
That’s why many states nationwide continue to support or expand these systems.
What Can Texans Do in the Absence of a Bottle Bill?
Even without a law in place, Texans can:
Use local recycling programs
Reduce single-use beverage packaging
Encourage businesses to set up voluntary return systems
Stay informed about proposed changes to liquor law
And for producers or retailers operating nationwide, consulting a liquor attorney can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Final Thoughts
While Texas doesn’t currently have a bottle bill, that doesn’t mean it won’t be proposed in the future—or that it doesn’t affect Texas businesses with nationwide operations.
Whether you're distributing craft beer, RTDs, or spirits across state lines, understanding liquor law at both the state and federal level is key. A trusted liquor attorney can help you stay compliant, reduce risk, and keep your business running smoothly.