July 6, 2010
State Considers Expanding The Bottle Bill
BOSTON (WBZ) ― The state is considering expanding the bottle bill to include water bottles and other drinks, but the measure is currently stuck in committee and there are few days left in the legislative year to act on it. So a group of redemption center owners plans to protest at the State House on Wednesday.Rob Mazzocca has owned the Walpole Redemption Center for 20 years. During that entire time, his reimbursement from the state has remained at two-and-a-quarter cents per return. "We haven't had a raise in the handling fee in 20 years."
Mazzocca says owners desperately need an increase of one cent per return because their costs have gone way up over the years. "The rent has gone up 20 percent in the last year and our transportation costs have gone up 75 percent in past two years," he said. "It's just getting harder every year."
Redemption center owners say while they haven't had a raise in 20 years, they've had to give them out. The minimum wage back then was $4 and hour, now it's double that.
But, not all who deal with returns are for the expanded bottle bill. The Massachusetts Food Association, which represents local grocery stores, is against the bill. "We don't believe the food store is the place to take your trash," said Brian Houghton, vice president of the MFA.
Houghton says expanding the bottle bill amounts to a new tax, because for each water bottle not returned, the state gets to pocket the nickel.
Water drinkers we talked with were in favor of the expanded bill. "I think it's a great idea," said Cheryl Cavanaugh. "You won't find them (bottles) around the pool area and around the ground."
Ed Splaine said he had no problem with it. "Sure, if I can get the five cents back, sure."
For 10-year-old Carlie Cavanaugh, it comes down to being green. "It's better for nature if you recycle your water bottles," she said.
For 13-year-old Jared Splaine it comes down to money. He collects cans and bottles for cash. If water bottles were included, it would only add to his income. "Lots more," he said. "I could grab them from my school and they're all over the street."
There's support on the street, but it's still up in the air at the State House.
http://wbztv.com/local/Bottle.bill.water.2.1790761.html
