Senator Nathan Johnson Pushes for Statewide Beverage Recycling Program on Earth Day

In a push to clean up Texas lands and strengthen the state's manufacturing economy, State Senator Nathan Johnson (D) presented Senate Bill 728, a bipartisan proposal that would create a statewide beverage container deposit program.

The bill, introduced just days before Earth Day, is designed to increase recycling rates, reduce litter, and support local industries that rely on recycled materials.

“This program would transform a blight into a resource,” said Senator Johnson. “Recycling the vast quantities of discarded glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans keeps them out of our water and off our land, while supporting the manufacture of essential products by major Texas industries.”

The proposal is modeled after successful programs in other U.S. states and internationally. It would allow consumers to pay a small deposit on beverage containers, which they can reclaim by returning the containers for recycling. A newly formed Texas Beverage Container Recycling Consortium, made up of industry stakeholders, would manage the program and adjust deposit and refund rates as needed.

Witnesses at the bill’s presentation pointed to the loss of valuable materials due to ineffective recycling. In 2021 alone, Texas reportedly lost an estimated $372.6 million in recyclable container value. With aluminum being one of the most sought-after recycled materials, especially since the U.S. imports roughly 90% of the aluminum it consumes, advocates argue that building a local supply chain is critical.

SB 728 also proposes a Recycling Refund Trust Fund to manage the financial aspects of the program. Johnson stressed that the bill is structured to operate with minimal government intervention, relying instead on public-private cooperation.

“This isn’t just an environmental bill—it’s an economic development plan,” said Johnson. “It’s good for producers, good for consumers, and good for our state.”

Texas currently recycles only 22% of its beverage containers, well below the 34% national average. The bill aims to close that gap by making recycling more accessible and rewarding. Supporters argue that beyond reducing litter, the legislation would also reduce dependence on foreign materials, create local jobs, and improve public spaces.

With bipartisan interest and support from both environmental and business communities, SB 728 is seen as a promising step toward cleaner streets, stronger local economies, and a more sustainable Texas.