November 28, 2007
Bottle Battle
By HUGH R. MORLEY
The New Jersey Retail Merchants Association is ready to rumble over a newly introduced "bottle bill."
The bill (A-4483) aims to promote the recycling of plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans by requiring consumers to pay a deposit of up to 20 cents on top of the purchase price.
Consumers would redeem the deposit by returning the container to the retailer, or to a specially created collection business.
Association President John Holub said the bill would create administrative work for his members, and logistical problems.
"That's a huge concern," Holub said.
"Retailers would have to accept returns and store them. There are all kinds of health issues with that, with keeping dirty bottles in the back of the store."
The bill would require consumers to pay a 10-cent deposit on containers smaller than 24 ounces and 20 cents on those of 24 ounces or more.
The bill would require the state Department of Environmental Protection to create and regulate privately owned and operated redemption centers, where consumers could deliver containers and get a refund.
The distributor would pay the initial deposit on each container to the state treasurer. The retailer would be responsible for getting the deposit from the consumer, and passing it on to the distributor.
Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle, D-Englewood, the sole sponsor of the law, said she believed retailers' concerns could be lessened during discussions over the bill.
"I am sensitive to the needs of retailers and business people," said Huttle, adding that 11 states have enacted similar legislation. "If they look at the 11 other states, it is working."
"We will find out what it entails as we go through the process," she said.
"I think for the saving of the environment, it's a very small sacrifice."
But Rich Savner, spokesman for Pathmark Stores Inc. of Carteret, said the company -- which has 140 stores, including 65 in New Jersey -- would oppose the bill.
He said the law would inconvenience customers and create health problems at the stores.
"It's a tax on the consumer, that's what it is," he said.
E-mail: morley@northjersey.com
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