July 21, 2009
Backers of bottle ban express unhappiness with veto
Clearly stunned by the announced veto of legislation that would have repealed the state's "bottle bill," backers of the measure were quick to express their disappointment.While Markell did not announce his decision until Monday, there had been at least cautious optimism that the bill would be signed. The bill is unpopular with retailers who handle recycled bottles and some consumers who prefer the plastic soft drink containers.
Both supporters and critics also pointed to the state's low recycling rates as reasons to support or reject the legislation. In what they billed as a response from the business community, the Delaware Beverage Association and Delaware Food Industry Council "expressed disappointment that the people of Delaware were denied today an historic tax cut, and a path to a more efficient recycling system, by Gov. Jack Markell and his veto of legislation repealing the state’s bottle bill that charges consumers an extra five cents for beverage containers."
“We’re disappointed that Gov. Markell ignored the Legislature and vetoed a significant tax cut by nixing the repeal of the state’s bottle bill,” said Ellen Valentino, executive director of the Delaware Beverage Association. “The Legislature gave the people of Delaware the opportunity to reap both a tax cut and a more efficient means to recycle all its recyclable materials. In this economy and environment, it’s disconcerting that the governor would undermine these cutting-edge improvements.”
The bottle bill is proving to be more of a nuisance than a benefit to the state and needs to be replaced rather than fixed. It costs consumers more money for their beverages. It’s inconvenient for consumers who want to return the bottles for a refund. And, importantly, it is ineffective in increasing recycling. In addition, it causes a significant burden on local grocers, as well as a sanitation concern for their businesses.
The governor’s action also hinders pursuit of single-stream curbside recycling, which is more effective and efficient. This better way of recycling saves the state money and provides lower emissions and energy use than a bottle bill, so it’s actually better for the environment. “We believe this is a vote against the business community, consumers and the environment. We believe the way to move forward is with a comprehensive single stream recycling program,” said Julie Miro Wenger, executive director of the Delaware Food Council.
The cities of Wilmington and Newark already offer residents single-stream curbside recycling to great success, as does the Delaware Solid Waste Authority.
“By not seizing upon repeal of the ineffective bottle bill and its hidden tax for the more efficient single-stream curbside recycling, the governor is denying the people of Delaware a win-win situation,” Valentino said. “People would have gained the convenience of recycling all recyclable materials at the curbside of their home, without the burden of a 5-cent tax that they may or may not have reclaimed.
“We thank the Legislature for being innovative and having the foresight to pursue a better way, and we will continue to work with the governor on improving recycling in the state,” she added.
http://www.newarkpostonline.com/articles/2009/07/21/news/doc4a65aaee65a3d738806827.txt
