I wanted to thank Sens. Anthony Pollina and Bill Doyle for voting in support of the expanded bottle bill. They were two of only seven senators who stood up against powerful corporate lobbyists to support this commonsense measure.

The expanded bottle bill would add a nickel deposit to beverages like bottled water, juices, and sports drinks. Expanding the bottle bill makes sense because it’s Vermont’s most successful recycling program. In fact, the recycling rate achieved by the bottle bill is more than double the rate seen in curbside and other recycling programs in the state.

Studies show that the places with the best recycling rates, at the lowest overall costs, have both curbside recycling and bottle bills working in tandem. A “Bigger, Better Bottle Bill” would further increase recycling, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut down on litter, and create local jobs. Instead of building on our best recycling program, the Senate voted to defer action by once again studying this issue. But we already have 40 years of data and experience showing us how well the bottle bill works. By delaying action, that means 100 million more bottles and cans will go to our landfills and litter our roadsides, rather than being recycled next year.

I hope during the next legislative session more of our senators will stand with Sens. Pollina and Doyle, and the overwhelming majority of Vermonters, in supporting the “Bigger, Better Bottle Bill.”

Elisha Coleman

East Montpelier