ND1104112

Title: Oklahoma Considers Nickel Bottle Deposit

Description: The refundable deposit would cover water bottles, beer and soft drinks.

Page Content:

ARDMORE, Okla. ? State Rep. Mark McCullough has proposed a bill that would require a nickel deposit on beer, soda and water bottles. The Ardmoreite reports. The refundable deposit would pertain to aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers.

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?There are lobbyists that do not want bottle bills. Most of us can remember taking bottles back and getting refunds,? said Norma-Lynne Paschal, executive director for the Ardmore Beautification Council. ?I do think it would keep bottles out of our grader ditches and I think it would work very well. It seems to work well in other states, which have one (bottle bill).?

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However, the bill has a couple of potential problems that would prevent quick passage, said state Sen. Frank Simpson. ?The main problem is the insufficient amount of recycling centers and that would be the problem here,? he said. ?We also have states around us which do not have a bottle bill and people could bring their bottles to Oklahoma, which would cost the state money. I think the essence of the program is well-intended, but I have a lot of questions.?

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Another potential pitfall would be developing convenient recycling centers in a more rural state. ?I know there are other states with bottle bills like Massachusetts,? said Simpson. ?But even they have problems with having centers in place.?

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Florida is considering a tax on bottled water, while Oregon recently revamped its bottle bill.

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Content Subject: Operations

Formatted Article Date: November 4, 2011

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