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Reasons to Support The Bottle Bill UpdateStrong Public Support. 77% of the public supports updating the Bottle Bill, seeing the positive effect that it has had on the environment. Endorsed by Over 200 Cities and Towns, and by 100 Advocacy Groups. Updating our Bottle Bill will boost recycling, saving communities the annual $7 million in costs associated with disposal and litter cleanup. Decrease Landfill Use. The state is running out of landfill space. The 1.1 billion containers that we send to landfills every year would fill Fenway Park to overflowing. Saves Energy, Saves Oil. Most of the containers under the update are made of PET plastic, 99% of which is petroleum. Recycled PET is in high demand for textiles. Increases Recycling. An amazing 80% of beverages that are covered by the bottle bill are redeemed/recycled. But only 22% of non-deposit containers are recycled – the rest become litter or are thrown in the trash. Creates Green Jobs. Job gains have been shown in nearly every state that updates their deposit system. Many of these jobs come in the recycling sector, which produces important – and sustainable – raw materials to be used in manufacturing. Keeps Current With Consumer Habits. The original bottle bill was never meant to be non-reactive to consumer trends. Now that 1/3 of our containers are not covered by the 30-year old law, we need to update it. Allows Small Stores to Opt Out. Under this proposal, small convenience stores would be allowed to opt out of redeeming empty containers. Supports the Redemption Centers. The bill includes provisions to increase the handling fee (not paid by the state). These small family-owned businesses have not had an increase in handling fees in 20 years. Many of them have been forced to close due to increases in their costs. Take Action! Contact your state legislators and urge them to support the Bottle Bill Update! Click here to email them.
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