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Many Somervillians are DIYing, yoga-going, composters who pride themselves on being environmentally conscious. Although recycling isn’t the newest environmental trend, the people of Somerville are ready for an update to the state’s most effective recycling program: the Bottle Bill.

The 5 cent deposit on beer and soda bottles increases recycling of these containers by 60% and has eliminated over 30 billion beverage containers from our waste stream since 1983. It is well-loved by recycling fanatics and 20-something party-hosts alike—but wouldn’t it be great if bottled water, Gatorade, and Nantucket Nectars were also included?

This might sound like a no-brainer policy update but the bottling industry and liquor lobby don’t share Somervillian values. They have spent millions to protect their profits by blocking the bill in the legislature for over a decade. During the November election, the citizens of Somerville, and our fellow Bay Staters, will get chance to use their people power to push back against the bottling industry by voting “yes” on the Updated Bottle Bill.

– Samantha Gibb
Somerville Resident