Bottle deposit makes sense

The Republican Party has long been known as the party of business. GOP leaders have prided themselves on being business-friendly, arguing that’s the best way to encourage economic development and prosperity.
But apparently GOP support depends upon what your business is.
Last week’s call by Verallia North America — which manufactures millions of bottles in Dunkirk — for a refundable bottle deposit of a nickel or a dime per bottle got what can best be described as a cool reception.
Bottle deposit laws have long been favored by environmentalists interested in reducing roadside litter, but they’ve been fought tooth and nail by lobbyists for retailers who view such laws as a nuisance and a headache.
What’s different this time around is that Verallia has pointed out the economic advantages — the pro-business angle — of deposit laws.
Simply stated, bottle deposit laws increase the flow of cullet for bottle manufacturers and hold down costs.
At the moment, the industry could use all the cullet available, and it’s foolish to send glass to landfills when recycling makes so much more economic sense.
Leadership on the issue is coming from Verallia’s top brass.
Verallia North America senior vice president Stephen Segebarth said a year ago that a glass recycling plan by the state could change the glass industry in Indiana.
The Indiana Farm Bureau is also on board, noting that discarded glass is a problem for agricultural producers.
“American citizens have bought into the idea of recycling,” Segebarth said at a Purdue conference last year. “Our problem, for the most part, is the lack of infrastructure for dealing with recycling. … My view is bottle bills can provide the foundation and funding.”
So if a bottle deposit law would help manufacturers, preserve jobs, reduce landfill costs, and improve the environment, how come a legislature and governor from the pro-business party can’t get it done?
Maybe other business interests have the party in their pocket. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]