Fight Gearing Up Over D.C. Bill to Recycle Bottles and Cans for Cash

Image via The Washington Post.

At a marathon hearing at the D.C. Council on Wednesday over legislation that would change how bottles and cans are recycled, environmental advocates testified in droves to voice their high hopes for a cleaner river free of litter. But the bill faces fierce opposition from the beverage industry, the mayor and some local retailers who are worried that associated costs will damage their bottom lines.

With more than 200 people signed up to speak at the hearing, testimony stretched into the evening, including from environmentalists, beverage and restaurant industry representatives, grocers, liquor store owners and even Girl Scouts. In addition to concerns from industry representatives, council members fielded skepticism from local small businesses and retailers concerned that implementing the legislation — colloquially referred to as the “bottle bill” — would prove hectic and costly.