Minnesota Revisits Bottle, Can Deposit

One suggestion would have consumers pay the dime deposit at retail, then recycle the empties at redemption centers.

February 19, 2014

ST PAUL, Minn. – A proposed dime deposit for bottles and cans has divided environmentalists in Minnesota, already a state with one of the highest recycling rates (34%) in the nation, the Pioneer Press reports. Consumers would pay the deposit at the store, then take empties to local redemption centers to redeem the deposit.

Supporters of such a deposit initiative say the number of cans and bottles recycled would double, with an additional 1,000 jobs would be created in the process. “This is a value that Minnesotans share — not being wasteful,” said Paul Austin, director of Conservation Minnesota.

Those opposed to the proposal say Minnesota would end up shelling out millions for a program that would reduce current recycling initiatives. “You would be punishing the recyclers. You would be punishing consumers who recycle to get at the people who do not recycle,” said Tim Wilkin, spokesman for Recycle Smart Minnesota.

While a bottle and can deposit has been discussed off and on in the state for years, it got a fresh push by the Legislature, which asked for a report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Those in favor of a deposit law say it’s unlikely to be considered this session.

The report found that consumers would pay 10 cents apiece for each beverage container purchased, returning the cans and bottles to one of more than 400 redemption centers across the state. The agency found that the initiative would cost around $250 million annually, but that the sale of recycled bottles and cans would make that figure drop.

“It's really a terrible idea,” said Tony Donatell, who owns the Lone Oak Market. “My customers are not going to be happy to pay an extra $1.20 for a 12-pack of soda.”

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