Bottle Bill Modernization Passes Oregon Senate
May 25, 2011
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FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
May 25, 2011
Contact: Ben DuPree, Communications Director, 503-224-4011
Bottle Bill Modernization Passes Oregon Senate
House Bill 3145 headed to Governor’s desk for his signature
SALEM – Nearly forty years ago Oregon became the first state in America to pass a Bottle Bill to address a growing litter problem on our beaches, roads, and public lands. And today the Oregon Senate voted to bring the Bottle Bill into the 21st century by approving HB 3145 to upgrade this landmark piece of our state’s history.
“Oregon’s Bottle Bill was a model for the rest of America to follow,” said Jon Isaacs, Executive Director of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. “The Oregon Senate has shown a willingness to stand up for our environment and for consumers by voting to bring the Bottle Bill into the 21st century. I applaud their action and look forward to this bill soon becoming law.”
HB 3145 updates Oregon’s Bottle Bill by adding beverage containers like sports drinks and teas to the law will reduce confusion among consumers and increase recycling rates of containers that would otherwise end up in a landfill or as litter. It also uses an increased deposit from 5 to 10 cents to encourage higher recycling rates, reducing waste and helping to meet or exceed recycling goals.
“Oregon knows how to lead when it comes to protecting our environment. That’s just what we do,” said Senator Mark Hass (D-Beaverton), who carried HB 3145 on the Senate Floor. “I’m proud to join the OLCV today in supporting Bottle Bill modernization because it’s a strong win for both consumers and for our environment.”
HB 3145 now heads to Governor John Kitzhaber’s desk for his signature.
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