Update the Massachusetts Bottle Bill

A working group of environmental organizations and municipal/state agencies

Update the Massachusetts Bottle Bill

The Bottle Bill is the state’s most successful recycling and litter prevention program. Since the Bottle Bill's inception in 1983, over 30 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 “new age” drinks such as non-carbonated beverages, water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks. It would decrease litter - and increase recycling.

An estimated 1.3 billion “new-age” beverages are consumed annually in Massachusetts, and this number is only expected to increase. As consumers purchase more of these beverages, an increasing number of containers are finding their way to landfills.

Visit the Bottle Bill Update Blog

For up-to-date news and views, visit our new blog:
http://massbottlebill.blogspot.com/

Updated Bottle Bill Hearing Draws Overwhelming Support!

Click on the image for a short video featuring clips of the event!

On October 7, the Bottle Bill Update (H3515/S1480) bill was heard by the Legislature’s Telecommunications, Utilities, & Energy Committee. A huge crowd came to the press event before the hearing – and then packed the hearing room. Since the event, we've had representatives on the radio on stations throughout Massachusetts. Just about every major daily newspaper in the state has come out in favor of the bottle bill, including the Boston Globe, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Patriot Ledger, Springfield Republican. Over 100 cities and towns – in every corner of the state – have passed resolutions in support of the Bottle Bill update.

To help update the bottle bill:

Contact your State Representative and State Senator:
If you know who your legislators are, click here to contact them. If you're unsure, click here. Ask them to Support the Updated Bottle Bill, H3515

Has your City/Town passed a resolution of support? Click here to see the list that have. If yours isn't on the list, contact your City Council, Board of Aldermen, or Selectmen and ask them to pass our municipal resolution.

Volunteer!: There's lots you can do to help pass the Bottle Bill Update! Contact phil@sierraclubmass.org for more information.