The Surfrider Foundation's Texas chapter has announced its support for House Bill 2048 and Senate Bill 728, which propose the establishment of a deposit return system (DRS) for recycling in Texas. The organization conveyed this stance to the Lone Star Standard on April 11.
According to the Texas Legislature Online, HB 2048 and SB 728 aim to improve recycling rates across the state while reducing waste and litter. The proposed bills would create an incentive program for recycling, managed by private businesses, similar to systems implemented in other states and countries. Currently, there is no fiscal note associated with these bills.
"We have a virtual deluge of beverage containers trashing our state," said Neil McQueen. "When it rains, thousands of them are flushed off streets and parking lots into the storm drain systems and then into creeks, rivers, and bays."
Neil McQueen, Co-Chair of the Texas Coastal Bend Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and a resident of Texas House District 32, explained that the three Texas chapters regularly conduct beach cleanups to address litter on Texas beaches. During their last cleanup in Port Aransas, McQueen reported that volunteers collected enough plastic bottles to fill three 8-yard dumpsters.
McQueen emphasized that litter and waste issues are prevalent throughout Texas, affecting not only beaches and bays but also impacting Texans' quality of life and the reputation of cities as tourist destinations.
When asked about undecided legislators regarding these bills, McQueen suggested they or their staff participate in an upcoming cleanup event to witness firsthand the magnitude of the problem affecting Texas waterways. He said that the foundation is collaborating with UT’s Marine Science Institute for a cleanup at San Jose (St. Joe’s) Island near Port Aransas on May 10, 2025.
"If these bills become law, Texans will benefit from cleaner beaches and be able to recreate in and around cleaner rivers, lakes, and Gulf waters," said McQueen.
The Surfrider Foundation is a national non-profit organization dedicated to cleaning up U.S. beaches and waterways. It operates three chapters within Texas.
