September 22, 2011 - The Campaign for an Updated Bottle Bill announced that they have reached a majority of state legislatures in support of an updated bottle bill. As a result, the coalition will press ahead with the pending legislative bill and forego the initiative petition process. Click here to download the official press release.
The updated MA Bottle Bill would expand the 5-cent deposit program to include bottled water, sports drinks, and juice containers. The current Bottle Bill only includes carbonated beverages.
Initiated in 1983, the Bottle Bill has been successful in redeeming over 30 billion containers, helping Massachusetts maintain cleaner and safer communities, along with stronger economy, and a healthier environment. As the bill's website states, however, the consumption of "new age" beverages - such as non-carbonated beverages, water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks - is on the rise, and the Bottle Bill must be updated to respond to increased consumption by increasing recycling options as well.
In January 2011, Senator Cynthia Creem and Representative Alice Wolf filed legislation to update the Bottle Bill. This legislation would add water, juice, etc., to our existing deposit system. The Updated Bottle Bill has received an incredible level of support from elected officials as well as the general public. In February 2011, MassInc conducted a poll which indicated that over 77 percent of Massachusetts' residents were in favor of the Updated Bottle Bill.
For more information, visit the bill's website at www.massbottlebill.org.