BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Senate has given supporters of an expanded bottle bill a surprise win.
With no debate Thursday, the Senate approved the proposal as an amendment to a jobs and economic development bill.
The proposal would extend the state’s bottle bill to include containers that hold water, iced tea and other non-carbonated beverages. The current law assesses a refundable nickel deposit on carbonated beverage bottles, including beer and soda.
Just last month the bill appeared dead on Beacon Hill.
The bill’s critics have argued that expanding the existing law would amount to a new tax on consumers and hurt small businesses that would be required to handle increased bottle returns.
The proposal must still be approved by the Massachusetts House and signed by Gov. Deval Patrick before becoming law.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Jerks.
you know it. I think they are looking for a way to get something out of it before they pass it. so they lag util they can figure it out. dirty rotten scoundrels
I don’t get why we have a bottle bill of any kind anymore now that everyone must recycle plastic bottles ,aluminum cans and glass bottles with those blue bins everyone leaves for the recycle men to take. Just a feel good make more money off us poor working man suckers.
Good!! Maybe people will think think twice b4 throwing plastic water containers anywhere they want to. Looks hideous.