Updated Bottle Bill Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Why are the bottling companies against the Updated Bottle Bill?
A: The bottlers have persistently lobbied and kept the Updated Bottle Bill from getting to a vote in the
legislature because the bottlers pay 2¼-3¼¢ per bottle as a handling fee to the store or redemption center
where the bottle is redeemed. This fee is separate from a consumer’s 5¢ deposit.
Q: Does the Bottle Bill really work?
A: The Bottle Bill is the most effective recycling tool we have. 80% of beverage containers that are covered by
the bottle bill are redeemed and recycled. But only 23% of non-deposit containers are recycled – the rest
become litter, clog our storm drains, or are thrown in the trash.
Q. What changes would be made by the Bottle Bill Update ballot initiative?
A. The proposal would add water, sports drinks, flavored teas, juices, and other on-the-go beverages that
were not included in the original bottle bill. (Carbonated beverages and beer are currently included.) It would
re-establish the Clean Environment Fund, directing forfeited deposits to improve recycling, help to clean up
our parks, and fund other important environmental projects.
Q: Isn’t curbside doing the job of recycling?
A: Curbside recycling is another important tool in the effort to increase recycling. Curbside and the Bottle Bill
complement each other, with curbside capturing beverages consumed at home and the bottle bill aimed at onthe-go drinks.
Q: How does putting a deposit on a container save us money as taxpayers?
A: Updating the bottle bill will save cities and towns an estimated $7 million in litter collection, trash disposal,
and storm drain cleaning costs. In fact, 210 cities and towns have passed resolutions in support of the
Updated Bottle Bill. The updated law will help to clean up our parks, ball fields, and streets as they are
currently cluttered with empty water and juice bottles not covered by the deposit system.
Q: Will updating the Bottle Bill hurt our economy?
A: No. Updating the bottle bill creates jobs and saves energy. Every state that has updated its deposit system
has gained jobs. Many of these jobs have been in the recycling sector, which produces important – and
sustainable – raw materials needed in American manufacturing. The updated bottle bill will also save energy
and reduce oil use. Most of the containers under the update are made of PET plastic, 99% of which is
petroleum. Recycled PET is badly needed for textiles like Polartec® fleece, made right here in New England.
Q: Will updating the Bottle Bill increase the cost of beverages?
A. No. The Department of Environmental Protection released a study in 2011 that compared the cost of
beverages in New England Bottle Bill states to those in states without a bottle bill. Beverage prices were the
same or higher in non-bottle bill states.
Q: Why doesn’t the legislature just update the law?
A. Good question. Special interests like the beverage, bottling, and supermarket industries oppose updating
the bottle bill. Despite overwhelming public support for the bill, including a majority of legislators, a majority of
cities and towns in the state, over 350 local businesses and 77% of the public in a recent poll, the bill has
never come up for a vote in the House.
For more information contact MASSPIRG:
Mark Leckband at mleckband@masspirg.org or 617-747-4307