Definitely Worth a Toast!

State lawmakers and Gov. George Deukmejian can give recycling a boost, discourage litterbugs and take some pressure off clogged landfills by raising the redemption rate on empty soda bottles and beer cans. The current payoff of a penny is too small to persuade consumers to hoard empty containers for the recycler rather than toss them in the trash. A nickel reward--the standard in states where bottle laws work best--would provide a stronger incentive.

A bill, sponsored by Sen. Gary K. Hart (D-Santa Barbara), would increase the redemption rate to two-for-a-nickel on bottles and cans that contain fewer than 24 ounces. The measure, SB 1221, would boost the rate to a full 5 cents on larger beverage containers, including the popular and cumbersome 2-liter bottles. The measure is expected to come up before the Assembly this week. It merits swift passage.

Passage followed by the governor’s approval would guarantee the higher rate as of Jan. 1. The new law would also boost the pay-offs to a full nickel per small can or bottle and a dime per larger bottle as of Jan. 1, 1993--but only if the return rates fail to reach the mandatory 65% for aluminum, glass and plastic containers, the standard set two years ago by the original bottle legislation.

Summer return rates--when beverage consumption is at its highest--are due from the state Conservation Department on Friday. Although a high rate is expected for aluminum cans, the containers with the highest scrap value, the level is not expected to approach the mark for glass or plastic containers. State return rates were 57% for cans, 33% for glass bottles and 5% for plastic containers during the last reporting period ending Dec. 31. That is a mediocre showing when compared to the 90% return rates in states that have established a nickel refund.

Californians drink 12 billion beers and soft drinks in a typical year. How many of those empty bottles and cans wind up as litter on our parks, beaches and roads or in municipal landfills that are running out of room? Recycling every empty container would dramatically reduce litter and energy consumption.

Consumers who are willing to return a six-pack of empties to a recycling depot deserve more than a fistful of pennies for their effort. The California Assembly and the governor should approve the nickel reward.