November 12, 2008
Bottle Bill Change Supported
By: Leda Quirke
11/12/2008 OXFORD - Acting on a recommendation by the Conservation Commission, Inland Wetlands Agency, the Board of Selectmen last week unanimously approved a resolution in support of state legislation to expand the Bottle Bill to include non-carbonated beverage bottles.
The Bottle Bill, in effect since 1978, currently applies only to bottles, cans, jars or cartons containing beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks and carbonated mineral water.
The state senate in 2005 and 2007 passed a bill to include water bottles and non-carbonated beverage bottles, but it was rejected by the House Speaker after it was referred to the House on May 1 of this year.
According to the resolution, passage of the bill to include non-carbonated beverages would increase recycling, curb litter, reduce costs for municipalities and provide a steady stream of funding for recycling, waste prevention and environmental programs.
First Selectman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers said the bill was something she strongly believed in.
"It's an important one for us to support," she said at a selectmen's meeting last Wednesday.
Selectman Augie Palmer agreed.
Mr. Palmer, a former state representative for the 120th District, said he was a co-sponsor of the bottle bill when it was introduced in 1978.
At the time, he said legislators didn't include non-carbonated beverage bottles in the bill because there was strong opposition, especially from glass manufacturers.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20194150&BRD=1380&PAG=461&dept_id=157533&rfi=6
