February 18, 2011
Bottle bill proposes money back for recycling
SPOKANE, Wash.— New legislation in Olympia may have consumers thinking twice before they toss their bottles in the trash.
The bill would require customers to make a deposit on all bottles they purchase. If the bill becomes law, it would require every bottle to have a $.05 deposit.
However, when a customer is done, they can return the bottle and get the money back. That includes plastic, glass, and aluminum bottles. The deposit must also be clearly marked on the bottle.
It is the same situation as in Oregon where users can recycle the cans and get money in exchange.
All businesses that sell the bottles will have to accept them and refund the money when people are ready to recycle.
Supporters argue the bill will reduce litter and encourage people to recycle.
"The city of Spokane and the Spokane Regional Solid Waste System are both very much in favor of anything that increases recycling rates, as well as, reducing litter,” said Robyn Dunlap of Spokane Regional Solid Waste System.
Some businesses told KREM 2 News if the bill passes, it will force them to raise their prices. They’ll also have to create their own recycle system which they said all costs money.
There are a few exceptions about what businesses can accept back, they do not have to take back bottles that are contaminated by something other than water or anything not originally intended for the bottle.
They also won't have to accept bottles with the labels ripped off. A person will only be allowed to recycle 144 bottles per day.
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