| ABC Container Recycling Law Goes Into Effect January 1 |
| Residents of North Carolina have been increasingly vocal in their desire to protect our environment, to save energy, and to work toward a more sustainable community. As a result, state elected officials have begun to develop and adopt legislation aimed at meeting the public’s expectations. |
In March of 2005, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a measure requiring that holders of certain Alcoholic Beverage Commission permits implement a program to separate, store and recycle all beverage containers generated at their establishments. Businesses affected are those holding the following types of ABC permits:
on-premises malt beverage
on-premises unfortified wine
on-premises fortified wine
mixed beverage permits
This law becomes effective January 1, 2008 and will produce what may prove to be the largest increase in recycling rates in the state’s history. It has been estimated that more than 50,000 tons of glass alone will be kept out of our landfills each year as a direct result of this legislation. Most bars and restaurants will be separating glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans from their waste stream for recycling. For complete information regarding recycling requirements from the state law passed in September 2007 see the links below.
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| Click here to access a copy of the state law |
| Click here to view the amendment to the state law |
| RECYCLING SERVICE PROVIDERS |
The new regulations place the responsibility for container recycling on the permit holder – the bar or restaurant serving the alcoholic beverages. There is no provision requiring local governments – cities or counties – to provide collection service for these businesses. However, for most bars and restaurants in Guilford County, there will be several service options available from which to choose.
Click here for a list of local service providers and their contact information |
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| ENFORCEMENT AND REQUIRED RECYCLING PLANS |
| The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission is responsible for enforcing the new recycling regulations. A schedule of fines has been put into place, and ALE officers will begin checking on recycling programs during their regular inspections in 2008. Also in 2008, new permit applications and permit renewals will be required to be accompanied by a written recycling plan in order to be processed. Permit holders that are affected by the new legislation should have received a letter from the ABC Commission in September 2007 explaining their responsibilities under the act. The notification included information about a model recycling program that may prove helpful to business owners and operators. |
| Click here to read the letter that was distributed to affected ABC permit holders |
| The ABC Commission has also provided assistance on their website (ncabc.com) for affected businesses. |
| Click here to view "Mandatory Container Recycling" information |
| In developing a recycling plan, it is important to be able to estimate the quantities of waste vs. recyclable materials generated in the normal course of doing business. Click here to access a worksheet designed to help in these calculations |
| RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES AND RECYCLERS |
| Here are some other helpful links to check out for pointers and information about ABC recycling:
Division of Pollution Prevention & Environmental Assistance - http://www.p2pays.org/BannedMaterials/ABCcontainer/
Glass Packaging Institute’s Bar, Restaurant and Hotel Recycling Guide - http://www.gpi.org/recycling/Restaurant/
Partnership for Bar & Restaurant Recycling - http://www.partnership4recycling.org/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Recycling and Pollution Prevention - http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/recycle.htm
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| Local ABC Boards |
Gibsonville ABC Board – 156
Phone: (336) 449-0159
E-mail: gibsonvilleabc@embarqmail.com
Greensboro ABC Board – 40
Phone: (336) 274-6304
E-mail: kalley@gsoabc.com
High Point ABC Board – 123
Phone: (336) 434-2146
E-mail: hpabc@northstate.net
Website: www.highpointabc.com
Triad Municipal ABC Board – 115
Phone: (336) 788-7141
E-mail: jwadell@triadabc.org
Website: www.triadabc.org
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| FOR ASSISTANCE |
Susan Heim
Environmental Services Coordinator
Guilford County Planning and Development
(336) 641-3792
sheim@co.guilford.nc.us. |
