Letter to the Editor

Opposes Bottle Bill

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. —

To the Editor: I found it humorous that people want to still return glass milk bottles to have them re-used. Three reasons that never get mentioned. • Glass breaks and bottle cost for replacement; • To put a new product in a used bottle, they have to be sterilized and germ free; • And, businesses are selling a product and not maintaining milk, juice and etc. recycle centers. Last night (Monday), I spoke at the Anderson County Commission meeting about the Tennessee Bottle Bill. I was disturbed about adding a nickel to each bottle purchased by me. I buy 32 oz., 24 oz., 16 oz., 12 oz. and 8 oz. bottles of cranberry juice. At the present I place these items in my recycle garbage and it is picked up once a week, which I pay Waste Connections a set fee or one tax-negotiated by my government. I actually separate my recyclables in one container and place my garbage into another container. I have been made to believe that I am the reason why the next generation will be left to clean up my garbage. I guess that they are right, since I recycle 100 percent of my garbage. Last night I was told that I did not know what I was talking about. I asked why I should be charged a nickel to take something from my garbage that defrays the cost of my garbage pickup and now take it to another vendor who will give my nickel back. Now here is the real problem -- every citizen has been told that plastics, aluminum and news print are a thing of value and my local County Commission is wanting the state to add another 5 cents tax burden to the citizens. I hope that some better thinking rather than politics can come from what was displayed at last night's meeting.

Lee Roy Gilliam Oak Ridge

http://www.oakridger.com/letter/x1682028799/Opposes-Bottle-Bill