Bottle Bill – Rhode Island
Rhode Island does not currently have a bottle bill in place. A bottle bill, also known as a container deposit law, requires a deposit to be paid on certain beverage containers, which can be refunded when the container is returned for recycling.
Rhode Island had a bottle bill in place from 1982 to 1995, but it was repealed due to concerns about its effectiveness and the costs of implementing the program. Since then, there have been several attempts to reintroduce a bottle bill in Rhode Island, but none have been successful.
Opponents of a bottle bill in Rhode Island argue that it would be costly to implement and that it would place a burden on small businesses, such as convenience stores and grocery stores, that would have to handle the returns and refunds. They also argue that curbside recycling programs are a more effective and efficient way to promote recycling.
Supporters of a bottle bill in Rhode Island argue that it would reduce litter and increase recycling rates by providing a financial incentive for consumers to recycle their beverage containers. They also argue that the costs of implementing a bottle bill would be offset by the revenue generated from unclaimed deposits.
Despite the lack of a bottle bill in Rhode Island, the state has implemented other measures to promote recycling, such as a ban on certain types of plastic bags and a requirement that businesses and institutions recycle certain materials. However, a bottle bill is a necessity to combat the plastic waste accumulating from bottles.
Legislation in the Works in RI
As recently as March 3rd, 2023, politicians and lawmakers in Rhode island have been campaigning for the implementation of a new and improved bottle bill.
Here is a link to the press conference discussing the new bottle bill:
Campaign to Pass “Bottle Bill” Legislation to Improve Recycling
Other sources/references: