The Better Bottle Bill Campaign gains steam

The landmark 1982 “Bottle Bill” is one of Massachusetts’ most effective recycling measures. But after 40 years, it’s in need of an update to more efficiently reduce waste in the 21st century.

On Sept. 28, MASSPIRG joined state Rep. Marjorie Decker and state Sen. Cynthia Creem to launch a campaign to modernize the Bottle Bill. The updated bill, called the “Better Bottle Bill,” would capture beverage containers that didn’t exist in 1982 — like water bottles, juices, sports drinks, iced teas and others.

“It is the right time. There is no reason not to do this,” said Sen. Cynthia Creem. “By expanding the container deposit system to include all these containers, we bring the Bottle Bill into the 21st century.”

“Containers like sports drinks, water bottles and juices turn into litter and waste that pollute our air and water, but they would be recycled if they had a deposit,” added Janet Domenitz, executive director of MASSPIRG.

Fifty state lawmakers have already co-sponsored the bill, and more than 50 organizations, including MASSPIRG and The Boston Globe, have endorsed it.

Read more.

Learn more about our Update the Bottle Bill campaign.