Letter to the Editor

State, environment would profit from bottle bill

In these difficult financial times, sometimes simple solutions can reap the greatest benefits.

There exists an opportunity that could be called a win-win-win-win situation. South Carolina would generate much-needed revenue, jobs would be created, pollution would be greatly reduced and it would not cost responsible individuals anything. I am referring to a bottle deposit law for South Carolina.

Bottles and cans need not fill our landfills and litter our highways and rivers. South Carolina, in desperate need of additional revenue, should quickly pass a bottle bill similar to legislation already enacted in 10 other states.

Simply return your bottles and cans and collect the deposit. If you elect not to return them, the state keeps the money.

New York and nine other states currently have bottle deposit laws for carbonated beverages, wine coolers and beer. On April 15, New York began collecting 80 percent of unclaimed bottle deposits, a move expected to generate $100 million annually. Starting June 1, New York also will require deposits on water bottles.

It's time for South Carolina to enact a bottle bill. It will save tax dollars and our environment.

Please consider contacting your state representatives urging them to act quickly on a bottle bill for South Carolina.

John F. Haley

Bluffton

http://www.islandpacket.com/opinion/letters/story/827622.html