James M. Jeffords: “a national deposit law is a commonsense, proven method to increase recycling, to save energy, to create jobs, and to…”

“a national deposit law is a commonsense, proven method to increase recycling, to save energy, to create jobs, and to decrease waste generation. The experience of 10 States, including Oregon and Vermont, attest to the success of a deposit law or a bottle bill as it is commonly called. Bottle bills work. These laws have been successful in every State that has one. Recycling rates of over 70 percent have been achieved for beverage containers in the bottle bill States. The rate is over 90 percent in Vermont. Furthermore, jobs have been created by this legislation, not lost, and a majority of Americans support a national deposit law. There is a misconception in some people's minds that deposit legislation is not compatible with curbside recycling programs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nine of the 10 States with deposit laws have vibrant curbside recycling programs. Mr. President, both Senator Hatfield and I have been working on this issue for more than 20 years. In both of our States, curbside recycling programs are working in tandem with beverage container deposit systems. In today's world, we must make every effort to conserve precious natural resources and reduce our use of energy. I ask my colleagues to support this measure and thank the managers for considering our amendment.”