Yesterday there was activity in Boston, Mass., around the state’s mandatory recycling deposit program, more commonly known as the “bottle bill.” So, today we thought we would share some information on comprehensive recycling programs and why they are a better approach.
 
Imposing mandatory deposits on beverage containers is a poor way to increase recycling because it tacks on a pre-paid fee on some containers, forces consumers to drive to designated redemption centers in order to recycle their cans and bottles and requires significant infrastructure to manage beverage containers separately from other recycled products and packaging.
 
Alternatively, comprehensive recycling programs are effective and convenient. With these programs, households can recycle a wider range of materials – not just beverage containers - through curbside pick-up or, in smaller communities, drop-off programs. Since comprehensive recycling does not solely target one part of recyclable goods, it has been proven to be the best way to capture waste conveniently, efficiently and equitably.  These programs have expanded rapidly and are extremely popular with citizens and businesses alike for one good reason—they work.