Jan 30, 2010
Marblehead
Opinion
Recycling tip: Lobby for expanded Bottle Bill
In the early 1980s, a bill in Massachusetts placed a 5-cent deposit on bottles that held soda and beer. The intent was to provide an economic incentive for the bottles to be redeemed and ultimately recycled.
The law proved to be incredibly effective, but now it has come to be seen as very out of date since the consumption of bottled water, teas and sport drinks has dramatically passed that of soda and beer. While these newer drinks are often bottled in the same kind of bottle as the earlier ones, there is no deposit on them; therefore, the Bottle Bill is now terribly out of date.
Also, in recent years, the amount of money that our state government has allocated for recycling programs has diminished greatly. This can change, however, if a proposed expansion of the state’s Bottle Bill passes in the Legislature. The plan is to place a deposit on the drinks that are now so popular with the idea that unclaimed deposits will provide money to support recycling in the state.
We can each help in getting this passed by contacting our legislators, Sen. Thomas McGee (617-722-1350 or Thomas.McGee@state.ma.us) and Rep. Lori Ehrlich (617-722-2013 or Rep.LoriEhrlich@hou.state.ma.us) and letting them know that we feel this is an important issue.
If this is successful, it will mean that more materials are recycled, there will be less litter and greatly needed funds will be available for local recycling programs. A simple phone call or e-mail can have a big impact.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/marblehead/news/lifestyle/health/x1090829839/Recycling-tip-Lobby-for-expanded-Bottle-Bill
