The reform of the Massachusetts bottle bill, to increase the value of redeemable from 5 cents to 10 cents, has a multitude of positive influences: it directly incentivizes more people to recycle, efficiently sorts plastics, and reduces litter by up to 34%.  In addition, the change aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 138,000 metric tons, cutting litter by up to 34%, creating up to 1,500 jobs, etc.  Currently, 5.1 billion recyclables are lost to litter, as an effect of this current bill.  In contrast, a bottle bill reform has lead to higher redemption rates in neighboring states;  Massachusetts has a redemption rate of 43% compared to around 80% for those with a 10 cent bottle bill.

Who is impacted?:  

While other states have already adopted 10 cent bills, Massachusetts still maintains its 40 year old bill making the redeemable at 5 cents. Keeping the amount at 5 cents lowers the incentive for recycling, especially as inflation of the current economy continually lowers the value of 5 cents. Increasing to 10 cents not only gives more incentive, but helps people in poverty have financial aid through helping the environment. Everybody is able to make a little more income and that amount can add up to a large amount over time. On top of this, it increases the variety of available recyclable items. This includes nips, or 1-shot liquor bottles, which are commonly littered. This would again increase the amount people earn and amount of materials recycled at the same time.

What is at stake?:

Currently, many redemption centers are struggling to stay in business; without further fundings, redemption centers cannot support themselves and will consequently close down, stripping MA residents of access to redemption centers. This domino effect, in turn, leads to less and less recycled bottles over time. In comparison if redemption centers are provided with bottles with higher redemption rates, they are given the opportunity to flourish and are able to sell more of their product to be reused rather than end up in single stream waste systems. Moreover, the bottle bill does not solely affect landfills, but also the communities we live in. Have you ever seen litter in your community and wanted to do something about it? Now you can!

Why is now a time to act?:

Unless a bottle bill is passed soon, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be unable to access adequate recycling facilities and will instead have to turn to single-stream waste services. This situation is detrimental to our impending environmental crisis in which change needs to be made quickly. We still have time to uphold the cleanliness of our communities and choose a more sustainable route.  All it takes is a signature to be part of this movement for change. Lawmakers greatly value the public’s opinion when deciding whether or not to pass the bottle bill. To reach more representatives, we need the support of the public. With your help, we can turn the tide in achieving a cleaner future.