Oregon Governor Vetoes Bill that Sought Changes in Bottle Bill

Oregon Governor Theodore Kulongoski has vetoed House Bill 3704, which sought to allow private beverage distributors to form a cooperative in the state to facilitate the collecting and processing of recyclable beverage containers under Oregon's bottle bill.

In returning the bill unsigned (vetoing the bill), Kulongoski noted that while he supports efforts to expand the state’s bottle bill, the move from in-store drop-off centers to a more centrally located facility would hinder recycling efforts in the state.

While acknowledging the bill would help out retailers, consumers would have a greater inconvenience in dropping off the containers.