The state Health Department says it intends to fine Reynolds Recycling $42,279 for various violations of the state's recycling "bottle law," including repeated closures of redemption sites without notice or approval.

Reynolds operates several deposit beverage redemption sites, with two central recycling facilities on O'ahu, as well as several satellite facilities on O'ahu, Kaua'i, Maui and the Big Island.

The Health Department said that Reynolds has been violating the law since February 2005, but is only being fined for violations in 2006, since all redemption sites were in a start-up mode in 2005 when the state started its 5-cent container deposit program.

According to the press release, Reynolds received four warning letters and was offered compliance assistance.

In addition to the unauthorized closures, the recycler was cited for not checking to see if the containers were eligible for a refund, paying refunds on ineligible containers, improperly estimating refunds, not checking the counts reported by customers and failing to post the required signs.

Bruce Iverson, director of marketing for Reynolds Recycling, issued a press release saying that the recycler is reviewing the documents, "but is meanwhile working hand-in-hand with the DOH to come up with workable redemption and administrative solutions regarding our more than 1 million deposit transactions a year."

He added, "We are continuing to strive to meet the needs of the public, and assure the most positive redemption experience possible for all of our customers."

The Health Department said the recycler has contested the complaint, and an administrative hearing will be scheduled.