This could be the year that your bottle return could double if Governor Kulongoski has his way. Modernizing the bottle bill would also have positive environmental impacts since the recycling rate for deposit containers is substantially higher compared to non-deposit containers.
In 2009, Oregon Governor Kulongoski submitted a bill (HB2184 ((Modernization of Oregon’s Bottle Bill (HB3145)) to increase Oregon’s bottle deposit to $0.10; add wine, distilled liquor, sports drinks, coffee, tea, juice, and similar noncarbonated drinks to the list of containers covered under the Bottle Bill; and set a return rate goal to Oregon’s deposit law. The bill was initially referred to the Environment and Water Committee and made it through Ways and Means and onto the House floor. It was referred to the Revenue Committee but the session ended in June 2009 with no action being taken on the bill. Hopefully the outcome will be different during the 2011 Legislative Session. With the arrival of two Bottle Drop centers in Oregon, redeeming containers is getting easier. Rather than feeding machines one-by-one, 2 bags can be dropped off and the refund is deposited into an account set up by you or your organization. With this system, schools, non-profits and other social service organizations have an easier time raising funds through can drives.
What AFSCME members can do to help:
Send us an email and request to receive updates during the 2011 Legislative Session. As bills come up, we will send out e-lerts urging members to contact their representative and/or senator. Send the email to info@afscmegreen.org and type 2011 Leg Session in the subject line.
Interested in testifying as an AFSCME members? Our caucus is working with AFSCME lobbyists to recruit members who are passionate about one or more of these bills and would like to have their voice heard during the 2011 session. Please let AFSCME Green know if you or your members would like to sign up (especially if you live in Salem.)
Spread the word to other AFSCME members. Please share this information with you local!
If you have any questions, please contact Rosalynn Greene 503-828-8920
