From http://www.sierraclubmass.org/:

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 add approximately $20 million to state revenue via projected unclaimed deposits. It would decrease litter - and increase recycling.

An estimated 20 billion “new-age” beverages are consumed annually in the US, 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 -- an estimated 69,000 tons nationwide.

To help update the bottle bill:

Come to the Rally and Press Conference:
Oct 7, 2009, 9am, State House, Bowdoin St. entrance.

Come to the Hearings:
Oct 7, 2009, 10am, State House, Room 1a.

Contact your State Representative and State Senator:
If you know who your legislators are go to http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenu.htm to contact them
If you're unsure, go to http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php
Ask them to Support the Updated Bottle Bill, H3515!