Legislature passes Jackson bottle redemption center bill

AUGUSTA—A bill from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, to support redemption centers was unanimously enacted in the Senate on Wednesday.

LD 248, “An Act to Increase the Handling Fee for Beverage Containers Reimbursed to Redemption Centers” increases the handling fee so bottle redemption centers can afford to continue this recycling program. The bill will increase the handling fee to a half-cent this month and another half-cent by 2020.

“Maine’s redemption centers provide a vital service to this state, especially for those of us who don’t have many recycling options,” said President Jackson. “I am hopeful that this bill will help the smaller redemption centers to remain open, keep their employees and continue providing this service to our communities. This bill is a great example of bipartisan work in the Legislature and I look forward to it becoming law.”

President Jackson introduced this legislation after hearing from constituents, who own a redemption center in Aroostook County. Redemption centers aren’t earning enough to stay in business. The closure of these facilities would reduce recycling options for Mainers and result in the loss of jobs. Maine’s bottle redemption program is designed to encourage recycling of bottles, cans and other beverage containers.

“Our costs for running a successful business continues to be raised and yet we are not being compensated,” said Jill Caron, Owner of Caron’s Redemption Center in Fort Kent. “We want to continue to be successful and offer recycling services, but are looking for some help. Please consider supporting the bottle bills being proposed, for our family and our community.“

LD 248 bill will now head to the governor, who has 10 days to sign it, veto it, or allow it to become law without her signature.

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