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Washington legislator recycles bottle deposit bill

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- State Senator Maralyn Chase is back for another go around with recycling.

"I have introduced legislation to put a deposit on these bottles two or three times over the last few years," said the Shoreline Democrat.

Chase first introduced the bill when she was in the House of Representatives. Now that she's in the Senate, Chase says the bill has a much better chance.

If passed, it would put a five cent deposit on any drink container, glass, plastic or aluminum. Retailers would most likely tack the cost onto the price of the product. Consumers could then recoup that cost by returning their empties to the stores or recycle centers.

Chase said the system has been successful in increasing recycling rates and reducing litter in other states and it could help reduce the amount of plastic building up in our environment.

Her bill would also require plastic six-pack rings to be made of biodegradable materials.

Chase expects a fight with industry and retail groups, but said her best lobbyists are children who pressure parents to to end their wasteful ways.

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Senator-Recycles-Bottle-Deposit-Bill-116002719.html