June 7, 2007
Governor Signs Bottle Bill
SALEM, Ore. - Oregon's bottle bill will now officially include plastic water bottles, helping out the enviroment and consumers.
Senate Bill 707 will expand Oregon's landmark 1972 bottle bill to include a refundable deposit for all plastic water bottles under 3 liters, including flavored water. The expansion will go into effect Jan.1
"Oregon has always been a leader on sustainability. Over thirty years ago, we were the first in the nation to pass the bottle bill," said Gov. Ted Kulongoski. "Today we build on that legacy, providing new opportunities for Oregonians to recycle - preserving our natural resources and improving our quality of life."
The legislation also creates a nine-member Bottle Bill Task Force which will make future recommendations to Kulongoski on how to expand or modify the bill.
"Oregon has long been a national leader in recycling. We already recycle over 45 percent of our waste stream, helping us use our natural resources efficiently and improve our quality of life," Kulongoski said. "This bill will allow us to significantly expand and exceed that number."
Officials say Oregonians buy nearly 200 million bottles of water, with an estimated 125 million going in the trash. Adding plastic water bottles to the refundable deposit program will encourage recycling, helping conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce solid waste.
