April 28, 2009
Conn. judge hears arguments over bottle deposits
A lawyer for Connecticut soda and beer distributors asked a judge to stop the state from taking an estimated $6 million in unclaimed nickel bottle and can deposits that companies kept between Dec. 1 and April 1.
The distributors, who have kept unclaimed deposits for 30 years to help pay costs associated with the state's bottle bill, are seeking a temporary restraining order against the state. The companies have until May 7 to hand over the money without penalty.
Attorney James Robertson Jr. told Hartford Superior Court Judge Julia Aurigemma on Tuesday that state lawmakers were wrong to pass a law effective April 1 that requires unclaimed deposits be turned over to the state, but includes a retroactive provision for Dec. 1 to April 1.
The judge did not immediately rule on the request.
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/04/28/ap6349424.html
