Dec 29 - MA - Supporters Seek Expansion of Bottle Bill in 2011

Massachusetts's bottle bill has been in place since 1981.  The law covers beer, soda, and mineral water in containers composed of metal, plastic, or glass, except for those containers that are biodegradable.  However, there are many other beverage types that are not included in the program such as water, sports and fruit drink bottles. Supporters of an expanded bottle bill program is hoping 2011 will be the year.

The proposed bill in this past legislative session would add more categories of bottles and increase the handlers' fee for retailers and redemption centers from 2.25 cents per bottle to 3 cents. If passed, it would have provided additional state revenue — an estimated $20 million from uncollected deposits. Currently, the state receives about $37 million in annual revenue from the bottle bill program.

Supporters of the bottle bill, such as MASSPIRG and Sierra Club, are hoping to try again in the coming legislation.

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