Bottle bill stalled on Beacon Hill

WWLP TV

Updated: Jun 14, 2012 3:41 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — A Massachusetts bottle bill has been stalled again in the state Legislature.

The Legislature’s telecom, utilities and energy committee voted 10 to 6 to set aside the updated bottle bill for further study.

The bill would tack on a 5-cent refundable deposit on bottled water, juices, and sports drinks that can be redeemed at stores or redemption centers. Currently, only soda and beer bottles can be redeemed.
Opponents said that while they agree reducing waste and encouraging recycling are good goals, now is not the time to charge an extra tax or fee on customers.

Supporters, like Sen. Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield), insist this bill is clearly not a tax.

“All you have to do to get your deposit back is fulfill your personal responsibility in not simply wasting that container and throwing it on your city streets, but bringing it back, returning it and getting that deposit back.”

“It is very frustrating to all of us and you know we’re not quitters, so we’re going to keep at it, we’re going to keep working at it.”

Earlier this week, supporters rallied in favor of the bill. They said there is majority support for the bill and were it to come to a vote in the House or Senate, it would pass.

Opponents said they were open to taking up the bill again next year.

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