Nov 6, 2009
Sandwich
Selectmen balk at change to state bottle law
SANDWICH -
The Sandwich Selectmen will not sign a letter of support for the proposed update of the Massachusetts Bottle Bill.
The current law, passed in 1982, requires consumers to pay a five-cent deposit on containers of carbonated beverages including beer and soda.
The consumer can then redeem the container at their local redemption center.
According to the state, 30 billion containers have been recycled since the law was implemented.
The new legislation would add a five-cent deposit to non-carbonated beverages including bottled water, iced tea, and sports and juice drinks.
State lawmakers estimate the legislation would result in an additional 1.5 billion containers collected each year.
That would mean $15 to $20 million in new revenue for the commonwealth.
According to the state Web site bottlebill.org, “[The updated bill] would increase the current 20 percent recycling rate of non-covered containers to 80 percent, decrease litter, and create jobs in the recycling sector.”
The new legislation would also increase the handling fee paid by the container distributors.
In addition, a Clean Environment Fund would be established using money from unredeemed deposits. The fund would help pay for projects that support solid waste management and environmental protection.
Selectman Randy Hunt said the town should step up its local recycling efforts rather than support the bill.
“I think we could actually do a whole lot more without just trying to send more money to the state and causing everyone to pay a nickel on every non-carbonated product. I just don’t see the point of that,” Hunt said.
He cited state statistics that 30 percent of carbonated beverage containers are not returned for reimbursement.
In an e-mail to the Broadsider, Hunt described the bill as “simply another state revenue booster masquerading as a green initiative.”
He said the town’s environmental initiatives would increase recycling without having to send more money to the state.
Selectman Jim Pierce agreed. He said 5 cents per container is not enough of an incentive to make people recycle.
Selectwoman Linell Grundman said the state has “better things to do than this.”
Grundman said the town will continue to encourage recycling and that the schools have already stepped up their efforts.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/sandwich/news/x1156074020/Selectmen-balk-at-change-to-state-bottle-law
