Press Release
BOSTON, MA – Advocates for updating the state’s bottle deposit law announced today (8/7/2013) that they are filing a ballot initiative known as the Updated Bottle Bill. This proposed law would add water, juice, sports drinks and other beverages to the existing nickel deposit law. When this measure becomes law, there will be less litter, more recycling, and millions of taxpayer dollars saved in the reduced cost of waste disposal in our cities and towns.
Advocates have been trying to get the Legislature to pass this bill for nearly ten years. Citing that an update for the 30-year old law is long overdue, the advocates have noted the law’s proven success in reducing litter in our parks, and on our beaches and roadways. It has increased our recycling and reduced the cost of waste disposal for taxpayers in our cities and towns.
Among the initial signers to the ballot question include Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston, Mayor Lisa Wong of Fitchburg, leaders of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, MASSPIRG, Massachusetts Sierra Club and other prominent organizations. Over 200 cities and towns in the Commonwealth have passed resolutions in support of the update as well.
Surveys have shown that the bill is extremely popular with the public. According to a statewide poll conducted by MassINC Polling Group, 77% of Massachusetts residents support an update of the bottle bill. Many businesses and civic leaders support the update; including Governor Deval Patrick, Governor Michael Dukakis, State Senator Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth) and State Representative Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk), as well as bill sponsors State Senator Cynthia Creem (D-Newton) and State Representative Jonathan Hecht (D-Watertown). Over 300 businesses have endorsed the effort, as well as a coalition that includes over 100 organizations, including Mass Municipal Association, League of Women Voters, Charles River Conservancy, Audubon Society, and many more.
“This bill makes sense for the public, and filing it as a ballot question after years of trying to pass it in the Legislature reinforces that the citizens’ voice can and will be heard,” said Ryan Black, Director of the Massachusetts Sierra Club.
BOSTON, MA – Advocates for updating the state’s bottle deposit law announced today (8/7/2013) that they are filing a ballot initiative known as the Updated Bottle Bill. This proposed law would add water, juice, sports drinks and other beverages to the existing nickel deposit law. When this measure becomes law, there will be less litter, more recycling, and millions of taxpayer dollars saved in the reduced cost of waste disposal in our cities and towns.
Advocates have been trying to get the Legislature to pass this bill for nearly ten years. Citing that an update for the 30-year old law is long overdue, the advocates have noted the law’s proven success in reducing litter in our parks, and on our beaches and roadways. It has increased our recycling and reduced the cost of waste disposal for taxpayers in our cities and towns.
Among the initial signers to the ballot question include Mayor Thomas Menino of Boston, Mayor Lisa Wong of Fitchburg, leaders of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, MASSPIRG, Massachusetts Sierra Club and other prominent organizations. Over 200 cities and towns in the Commonwealth have passed resolutions in support of the update as well.
Surveys have shown that the bill is extremely popular with the public. According to a statewide poll conducted by MassINC Polling Group, 77% of Massachusetts residents support an update of the bottle bill. Many businesses and civic leaders support the update; including Governor Deval Patrick, Governor Michael Dukakis, State Senator Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth) and State Representative Dan Winslow (R-Norfolk), as well as bill sponsors State Senator Cynthia Creem (D-Newton) and State Representative Jonathan Hecht (D-Watertown). Over 300 businesses have endorsed the effort, as well as a coalition that includes over 100 organizations, including Mass Municipal Association, League of Women Voters, Charles River Conservancy, Audubon Society, and many more.
“This bill makes sense for the public, and filing it as a ballot question after years of trying to pass it in the Legislature reinforces that the citizens’ voice can and will be heard,” said Ryan Black, Director of the Massachusetts Sierra Club.
Does anybody know where I can find bottle return depots in Calgary? I'm all about doing my part in making the world green and I would love to help recycle all the bottle I go through.
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