May 10, 2007
Bottle Law Add-On Advances
Bill Would Leave Fewer Exemptions
By MARK PAZNIOKAS
The state Senate voted Wednesday to expand the bottle deposit law to water and some other noncarbonated beverages that have been exempt since passage of the original bottle bill in 1978.
With the support of Senate leaders, the bill easily passed with bipartisan support, 26-7. But a similar measure breezed through the Senate two years ago, only to die from inaction in the House.
"If it hits the House floor, it will pass. The question is will it be let out for a vote or referred to a committee," said Jessie Stratton, an environmental lobbyist and former House member.
Twenty-nine years ago, the bottle bill debate focused on eliminating litter and saving space in landfills. On Wednesday, a new issue was in the mix: greenhouse gases and global warming.
Sen. William Finch, D-Bridgeport, co-chairman of the environment committee, said placing a nickel deposit on petroleum-based plastic water bottles would increase recycling rates and keep the bottles from being incinerated.
The bill would expand the bottle deposit law to noncarbonated, nonalcoholic and nondairy beverages in glass, aluminum and so-called PET plastic containers smaller than 20 ounces.
As a consolation to retailers, it would increase the handling fee paid to grocers and redemption centers from two to three cents for redeemed containers.
Industry opposed the bill as expensive and unnecessary, saying that curbside recycling is more efficient than forcing consumers to return bottles for a deposit.
"I believe it is going to cost the grocers money, which will be passed on in the cost of the product," said Senate Minority Leader Louis C. DeLuca, R-Woodbury. "I believe that money could have been better used to promote recycling."
Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., D-Brooklyn, said the best system is one that combines a deposit law and curbside recycling.
"The states that have the highest percentage of recycling are the states that have both," he said.
The bill passed with 21 Democratic and five Republican votes. Opposed were six Republicans and one Democrat. Three senators abstained due to potential conflicts of interest.
Contact Mark Pazniokas at mpazniokas@courant.com.
http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-ctbottlebill0510.artmay10,0,4250899.story?coll=hc-headlines-politics-state
