It's time for a national 10¢ bottle deposit

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Dear ,

I am writing to bring your attention to the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020, introduced earlier this month by Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.), along with Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Representative Katherine Clark (D-Mass.). This much-needed legislation tackles the most common forms of plastic pollution, saves taxpayers billions and holds large corporations accountable for their waste.

One feature of the bill that deserves particular attention is the establishment of a national container refund program. Currently, only ten states have such programs – sometimes referred to as "bottle bills" – which have been shown to dramatically increase recycling rates of plastic beverage bottles and other highly recyclable containers. Establishing a federal container deposit will keep huge amounts of plastic waste out of the environment. At the same time, the deposit will help support the many thousands of Americans who support themselves by redeeming these deposits, helping to keep our cities and towns clean.

You can learn more about the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020 here: https://www.tomudall.senate.gov/news/press-releases/udall-lowenthal-merkley-clark-unveil-landmark-legislation-to-break-free-from-plastic-pollution

Thousands of low-income New Yorkers support themselves by collecting and redeeming bottle deposits. But only 10 state have such programs, which have been shown to dramatically increase recycling rates. What's more, the deposits themselves haven't changed in decades, making it increasingly difficult for people who depend on these reimbursements to get by.

It's time for a national container deposit program – like the one established in the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020! Raise the volume on this tested solution by bringing it to the attention of your representatives in Congress!