MASSACHUSETTS IS stuck in the 1980s when it comes to recycling (“Expand the bottle bill,’’ Sept. 28). In the more than 20 years since its enactment, the bottle bill has expanded recycling and has provided an important revenue stream for the state. But as people consume more drinks that aren’t covered by the original bill – bottled water, energy and sports drinks, and fruit juices – it is clear that the bottle bill needs to be updated to keep pace with changing consumer trends.
We represent very different districts, but Boston and Marlborough and lots of cities and towns in between are all in the same boat when it comes to dealing with litter on our streets, mounting deficits, and a desire to expand recycling programs. If we update the bottle bill, we can expect an estimated $20 million in increased revenue for the state – great for our massive deficit – while simultaneously increasing the flow of state funds to cities and towns, reducing our impact on the environment, and cleaning up our neighborhoods. We strongly support the thoughtful, energizing work of elected officials and environmental groups throughout the state, including the Sierra Club, Representative Alice Wolf, and MASSPIRG, who are pushing to modernize recycling laws and green our state, all while shrinking our deficit.

But until the bottle bill is reformed we need to keep the pressure on.

John Connolly and James Eldridge

The writers are, respectively, Boston city councilor at large and state senator from Acton.