A Penny Isn’t Enough

Most people enjoy a cold soda or beer at this time of year, but not enough are bothering to return empty bottles and cans in exchange for the penny refund. It’s time to raise the pay-off.

A two-for-a-nickel refund, proposed by Assemblyman Burt Margolin (D-Los Angeles), would provide a stronger incentive for thrifty consumers and industrious children. A six-pack of empties would be worth at least 15 cents, and perhaps slightly higher--depending on the scrap value of aluminum cans. The proposal, amended to AB 3160, may come before a Senate committee on Tuesday. It merits approval.

The bill doesn’t specify an effective date, but Margolin would start the negotiations at Oct. 1, the first anniversary of California’s bottle law. The law requires distributors to pay a penny per container into a state fund used to guarantee refunds. A fraction of the unclaimed refunds would pay for the higher pay-offs. That is a reasonable proposal.

The law also requires a statewide network of convenient recycling centers to make it easy to return cans and bottles. Many centers are in trouble, however, and could close by the end of the month due to lack of volume. Wholesale closures would certainly discourage recycling.

Consumers return nearly 90% of empty bottles and cans in states with the standard 5-cent refund, but the nickel had no chance in Sacramento.

Californians drink 12 billion beers and sodas every year. Recycling every empty can and bottle would dramatically reduce litter and energy consumption. A penny is not incentive enough. Nickels make a lot more sense.