A legislative proposal to require 5 cent deposits for drinks containers in Tennessee is likely dead for the year.

Sen. Doug Jackson, a Dickson Democrat and the main sponsor of the measure, asked on Tuesday to place the bill on the next schedule of the Senate Environment Committee even though the panel has wrapped up its business for the year.

Jackson's move reflected a recognition that there weren't enough votes to get the bill out of the committee. Sen. Roy Herron, a Dresden Democrat, called on opponents of the bill to meet with environmentalists over the summer to find a comprehensive approach toward fighting litter and encouraging recycling.