Over the past 45 years, Maine’s Bottle Bill program has been extremely effective at reducing litter, increasing recycling, creating jobs, funding charities, and reducing costs for municipalities and taxpayers. The Bottle Bill is a critical foundation for Maine’s recycling culture and remains as important and relevant as ever. Maine’s legislature recently passed two bills to keep redemption centers in business and modernize the system. The discussions highlighted the special role that redemption centers play in keeping this program going, and the unique job opportunities they provide. Many of the owners do not turn much profit but do the work because they recognize it is environmental and social significance. The new laws will provide opportunity to further strengthen this program, reduce waste, and create more jobs.
At the end of the recording, participants will be able to:
– Explain how the Bottle Bill supports jobs in Maine and what happens to the unclaimed deposits.
– Compare effectiveness of recycling and litter reduction with other types of recycling programs.
– Discuss potential of recently passed and future legislation.