The Updated Bottle Bill is now before the State Senate

In the next few days, the State Senate will be voting on a measure that would update the state’s Bottle bill. In order for this bill to pass, we are asking you to contact your State Senator today and tell them “vote yes on the Bottle Bill Amendment.”

We’ve included background on the bill (provided by the Sierra Club) and a sample letter below.  If you don’t know your legislator, go to www.wheredoivotema.com.

Background:
The Updated Bottle bill has been filed as an amendment to the State Budget. The amendment is scheduled to be discussed on the floor of the Senate in the next few days. If enough Senators support the amendment we could get the Updated Bottle Bill through the Senate. Please call or email now, and share this alert with your friends/networks.

The Bottle Bill is the state’s most successful recycling and litter prevention program. Since the Bottle Bill’s inception in 1983, over 35 billion containers have been redeemed, contributing to a healthier environment, cleaner and safer communities, and a stronger economy. But to keep up with the times and consumer’s tastes, the bottle bill must be updated. An Updated Bottle Bill would expand our container deposit system to include non-carbonated beverages such as water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks. It would decrease litter – and increase recycling. An amazing 80% of beverages that are covered by the bottle bill are redeemed/recycled. But sadly, only 22% of non-deposit containers are recycled. The rest become litter, or are thrown in the trash. Updating our bottle bill will boost recycling, save our communities the cost associated with disposal and litter cleanup, and conserve valuable resources.

Take Action

Please write or call your legislator today to urge them to vote in support of the Bottle Bill Amendment.   To look up your state Senator, visit www.wheredoivotema.com.

Sample Letter

Dear     :

Please help reduce the trash in the Blue Hills and all our parks by voting yes on the Bottle Bill Amendment.

[personalize the letter with something like how important keeping the Blue Hills clean is to you – anything that shows you care!]

The Bottle Bill is the state’s most successful recycling and litter prevention program. Since the Bottle Bill’s inception in 1983, over 35 billion containers have been redeemed, contributing to a healthier environment, cleaner and safer communities, and a stronger economy. But to keep up with the times and consumer’s tastes, the bottle bill must be updated. An Updated Bottle Bill would expand our container deposit system to include non-carbonated beverages such as water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks. It would decrease litter – and increase recycling. An amazing 80% of beverages that are covered by the bottle bill are redeemed/recycled. But sadly, only 22% of non-deposit containers are recycled. The rest become litter, or are thrown in the trash.

Updating our bottle bill will boost recycling, save our communities the cost associated with disposal and litter cleanup, and conserve valuable resources.

The Bottle Bill Update is “revenue-positive.” Through voluntarily forfeited deposits, the state can gain the funds necessary to increase and improve recycling as well as clean up the bottle litter that’s plaguing our streets and parks.

Please let me know how you vote.  Thank you for helping us keep our parks clean.

Sincerely,

Your NameAddress