Brookline — I agree with Mr. Seidenberg’s letter, “Time to update the bottle bill” (April 22). I wanted to let readers know that I am the lead sponsor of S. 1480, An Act to Improve Recycling Rate, which would expand the universe of containers covered by a deposit.

Unfortunately, current recycling laws in Massachusetts do not require deposits on noncarbonated beverages like water, flavored teas and energy drinks. Today, less than 60 percent of containers sold are redeemable, and this percentage is expected to decline further. This means many drink containers enter the wastestream as trash, costing our cities and towns disposal fees and increasing litter statewide. My updated bottle bill would expand the types of beverage containers subject to the nickel deposit, leading to increased recycling, protecting industry jobs and reducing waste disposal costs for local communities.

The Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee held a hearing on this and related legislation (including the identical House bill, 3515) on Oct. 7, 2009. The committee has filed an extension order, giving committee members more time for consideration. I have been meeting with other legislators to advocate for the bill’s release with a favorable report, and I am hopeful that it will be moved forward to either the Senate or to the House.

Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem
Newton

 Letter: Updated bottle bill in the works
Wicked Local Brookline
Posted Apr 29, 2010 @ 01:18 PM

http://www.wickedlocal.com/brookline/news/x1042557603/Letter-Updated-bottle-bill-in-the-works