Massachusetts lawmakers are considering updates to the state’s bottle bill that would expand deposit fees to non-carbonated beverages and redirect unclaimed deposits to help fund local recycling programs, The Associated Press reports.
Over a dozen bills proposing changes to the state’s 30-year-old container deposit system are set to be heard before a legislative committee Wednesday, including one that would place deposit fees on nearly all beverages, including water, iced tea, juice, and sports drinks.
The current deposit system charges consumers five cents on every bottle or can of soft drink, mineral water, beer or other malt beverage.
Consumers can redeem their deposit if they return the containers to a redemption center for recycling. Supporters of the proposed expansion say more deposits would encourage recycling and create a cleaner environment.
