Update the Massachusetts Bottle Bill

A working group of environmental organizations and municipal/state agencies

Update the Massachusetts Bottle Bill

The Bottle Bill is the state’s most successful recycling and litter prevention program. Since the Bottle Bill's inception in 1983, over 30 billion containers have been redeemed, contributing to a healthier environment, cleaner and safer communities, and a stronger economy. But to keep up with the times and consumer’s tastes, the bottle bill must be updated.

An Updated Bottle Bill would expand our container deposit system to include “new age” drinks such as non-carbonated beverages, water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks. It would decrease litter - and increase recycling.

An estimated 1.3 billion “new-age” beverages are consumed annually in Massachusetts, and this number is only expected to increase. As consumers purchase more of these beverages, an increasing number of containers are finding their way to landfills.

July 14, 2010: Bottle Bill Passes Committee Vote!

Bill sent to Senate for action - then on to the House

Click here to see the redrafted version that was approved: S1480 REDRAFT.pdf. This updates the bottle bill to include water, sports drinks, tea, and sports drinks. It provides an increase for the state's redemption centers, and reinstates the Clean Environment Fund, which takes forfeited deposits and dedicates them to recycling, water quality, and park clean up projects.

The Updated Bottle Bill proponents are asking you to continue the momentum for its passage! Please contact your State Representative and State Senator TODAY and ask them to tell leadership that they are in favor of passage of the Updated Bottle Bill, S1480. If you know who your legislators are, click here to contact them: www.mass.gov/legis/memmenu.htm. If you're unsure, click here: www.wheredoivotema.com. Or call 617-722-2000.

Visit the Bottle Bill Update Blog

For up-to-date news and views, visit our new blog:
http://massbottlebill.blogspot.com/

Updated Bottle Bill Press Event

Big Push at the State House for Updated Bottle Bill

In a dramatic show of support, over 150 people showed up at the State House today, despite 90 degree heat, in an event organized to call on the Legislature to pass the Updated Bottle Bill. The bill (H3515/S1480) would increase recycling of beverage containers and reduce litter in ballfields, parks, streets, and waterways. The crowd included over a dozen legislators, from both sides of the aisle, who have become restless for movement on the bill as the end of the legislative session, scheduled for July 31, draws closer.

View video from the event here: http://vimeo.com/album/252646

Hearing Draws Overwhelming Support!

Click on the image for a short video featuring clips of the event!

On October 7, the Bottle Bill Update (H3515/S1480) bill was heard by the Legislature’s Telecommunications, Utilities, & Energy Committee. A huge crowd came to the press event before the hearing – and then packed the hearing room. Since the event, we've had representatives on the radio on stations throughout Massachusetts. Just about every major daily newspaper in the state has come out in favor of the bottle bill, including the Boston Globe, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Patriot Ledger, Springfield Republican. Over 100 cities and towns – in every corner of the state – have passed resolutions in support of the Bottle Bill update.

To help update the bottle bill:

Contact your State Representative and State Senator:
If you know who your legislators are, click here to contact them. If you're unsure, click here. Ask them to Support the Updated Bottle Bill, H3515/S1480

Has your City/Town passed a resolution of support? Click here to see the list that have. If yours isn't on the list, contact your City Council, Board of Aldermen, or Selectmen and ask them to pass our municipal resolution.

Volunteer!: There's lots you can do to help pass the Bottle Bill Update! Contact Phillip Sego for more information.