Dive Brief:
- Recycle Smart Minnesota, a coalition of recycling organizations, is speaking out against a proposed statewide bottle and can deposit program.
- The organization says that the plan is inconvenient and messy for consumers.
- A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency report estimates the plan would cost beverage companies $29 million annually, in addition to the cost to consumers. A member of Recycle Smart Minnesota says costs are seven times higher, with only an anticipated 2% increase in recycling.
Dive Insight:
The state is considering a redemption system that would charge consumers a ten cent deposit per bottle, which would be refunded back when containers are returned to a redemption center. Ten states currently have a redemption system in place.
Supporters estimate the recycling rate will experience a higher increase than the two percent growth estimates. The Executive Director for Conservation Minnesota expects the rate to double.
Michigan has had a deposit system in place since 1976. Findings conclude that although the average bottle recycling rate reached 95%, a study determined that the overall recycling rate remains low.
The deposit plan is expected to be introduced within the next two years into the Minnesota Legislature for consideration.
