A Massachusetts state senator and a state representative have introduced bills that seek to expand the state’s 20-year old bottle bill to include a host of non-carbonated beverage containers such as sports drink bottles, bottled water and single use beverage containers.
The senate bill, SB 1820, was initially introduced this past December
The two bills, one in the state senate, the other in the state assembly, are essentially the same bill.
According to Andrew Schuyler, chief of staff for Senator Andrea Nuciforo, Jr., the senator who introduced the mill, the proposal aims to address a host of beverage containers that were not on the market when Massachusetts’ container deposit bill was introduced 20 years ago. There are some exemptions for retailers who can demonstrate that they do not have the space to take in the containers. The other bill is being was introduced by Rep. Doug Petersen.
In the State Senate the bill is being heard by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.