The NWRA Connecticut chapter testified in opposition to legislation that would make significant changes to the state’s bottle bill program. The bill would increase the number of products covered by the bottle bill program.
“The Connecticut chapter urges the state legislature to oppose SB 1037 and replace the nickel per bottle deposit with a smaller fee per bottle to invest in increasing recycling programs and curbside collection,” said Steve Changaris, Northeast regional vice president for NWRA. “Expanding the number of items included in the program will harm recycling facilities financially, driving up recycling costs for municipalities.”
Under the current structure, revenues from plastic and other items support recycling programs in Connecticut’s cities and towns. With fewer options for processing recyclables, the costs to municipalities would increase.