SR 235: Georgia Beverage Association; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate rather than a bill that changes state law. It recognizes the Georgia Beverage Association for efforts to improve recycling rates in Georgia, particularly its Made to be Remade initiative, which aims to produce 100 percent recyclable cans, bottles, and caps and to invest in recycling infrastructure and consumer education. The resolution also references broader beverage industry recycling efforts, including the Every Bottle Back initiative and partnerships with groups like the World Wildlife Fund, Closed Loop Partners, and The Recycling Partnership. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the Georgia Beverage Association. The resolution does not create any new legal requirements, funding, or penalties under Georgia law.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Georgia Beverage Association for its recycling efforts in the Georgia Senate.
• States support for the association's Made to be Remade initiative, which aims for 100 percent recyclable cans, bottles, and caps.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to the Georgia Beverage Association.
• Creates no new laws, funding, penalties, or regulatory requirements.

The resolution directly names the Georgia Beverage Association and references companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, Keurig, Dr. Pepper, and PepsiCo, along with recycling partner organizations. It has no binding legal effect on Georgia residents, businesses, or agencies.

Because this is a commendatory resolution, it does not change any recycling laws, funding levels, or requirements in Georgia. Its practical effect is limited to an official, public statement of recognition from the Senate toward the beverage industry's recycling initiatives.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe Georgia's recycling infrastructure and concerns about litter affecting waterways, tourism, and the economy.
• It highlights the Georgia Beverage Association's Made to be Remade initiative and its goal of producing fully recyclable packaging.
• It references the industry's Every Bottle Back initiative, described as directing roughly $400 million toward recycling partners with matching grants.
• The resolved clause has the Senate recognize and commend the association and wish it continued success.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to the association.

1. 2025-02-21Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-20Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)Primary sponsor
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Colton Moore (R, SD-053)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-021)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• John Kennedy (R, SD-018)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)

• recycling
• Georgia Beverage Association
• environmental policy
• legislative recognition