Friends of the Earth

In 1983, when most places hadn’t yet instituted curbside recycling programs, Massachusetts passed a bottle deposit law that helped combat litter and removed recyclable material from the waste stream.

Now, some state residents are saying the deposit law should be expanded, while others contest that it would only add shine to a worn out system.

If the measure is extended, “over a billion containers would be pulled from the waste stream,” said Greg Cooper, director of consumer programs at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The bill would extend the reach of the deposit law from a 5-cent deposit on bottles of sparkling water, soda pop, beer and other malt beverages to include noncarbonated offerings such as juice, water, iced tea and sports drinks.

At least 20 businesses, trade associations and unions have formed Real Recycling for Massachusetts to oppose the bill.

Recycling top tips:

Reduce rubbish

Reuse products

Give away or sell

Repair or adapt

Cut down packaging

Recycle more