Connecticut state lawmakers who want to make plastic water bottles redeemable will most likely have to wait a while.
The legislature's Environment Committee voted today to drastically amend the legislation. The proposal now requires Connecticut to wait until Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island change their bottle return laws as well.
Milford State Representative Richard Roy, the committee co-chairman, said some legislators are worried that many Connecticut stores are already paying out more nickel redemptions for bottles and cans than they originally sold, because residents of neighboring states often redeem their bottles and cans in Connecticut.
Roy said if the bill passes in its current form, it will not change anything in Connecticut. In addition, he says it is very unlikely New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts will all agree to expand their laws to include water bottles anytime soon.
Many proponents wanted to add plastic water bottles to the list of redeemable items to help with the statewide litter problems.
The bill awaits action in the Senate.
Source: WTNH-TV