Statement of Sarah Nichols, Sustainable Maine Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine
“NRCM applauds Maine lawmakers for taking a strong, bipartisan stance against roadside litter and in support of Maine’s Bottle Bill by adding ‘nips’ to the redemption program. Today the Maine Senate voted to support adding nips to Maine’s Bottle Bill by a vote of 29-6; yesterday the House voted 114-31.
“These tiny liquor bottles are found along Maine roadsides in alarming numbers and the five-cent deposit will encourage people not to litter and will also encourage people to pick them up. For 40 years, the Bottle Bill program has enhanced Maine’s beauty and reputation by reducing litter, and is the most successful recycling programs in our state’s history. More than 90 percent of bottles covered by the program are recycled.
“Maine people recognize the Bottle Bill is part of our culture and a symbol of our environmental stewardship. We look forward to the addition of nips to this successful program in January 2019.”
