A Penny Isn’t Enough
California’s stingy bottle bill doesn’t seem to be working very well. The penny refund is apparently not enough of a reward to encourage the enthusiastic return of beer and soft-drink containers. The lack of business is forcing recycling centers to close; that could make redeeming empty bottles and cans less convenient. A higher refund is in order.
The 1-cent refund resulted from a long-overdue and complicated compromise, negotiated by Assemblyman Burt Margolin (D-Los Angeles), with representatives of the beverage industry, grocers and consumer groups. A nickel refund, successful in other states, was politically impossible in Sacramento.
The California law, which took effect in October after 20 years of debate, requires distributors to pay a penny per bottle or can into a state fund that is used to guarantee the container refunds. It also requires recycling. The law will double the penny refund if the return rate fails to reach 65% by 1990, and triple it as of 1993. But there is not much reason to wait; the return rates approach 90% in states where the nickel refund is standard.
Californians recycled 50% of aluminum cans for scrap value before the refund law took effect, but state conservation officials now expect greater success with all empty containers. Convenience is the key, and nearly 2,400 redemption centers are open today. The state is also in the process of spending $3.25 million on major educational, promotional and advertising campaigns. But the lack of business is forcing three major recycling companies to close dozens of depots before summer, the peak beverage consumption period. If business doesn’t pick up, hundreds of centers may close.
If hundreds of the centers close, the law’s original sponsor, Margolin, expects to push for a higher refund this year. Given the political unpopularity of the nickel refund, the Legislature should attempt second best and try to increase the refund to 3 cents.
Californians drink 12 billion sodas and beers every year. Millions of bottles and cans wind up as litter. The prospects for cleaner beaches, roads and parks are reason enough to increase the refund on empties this year.
