August 9, 2007
By email: letters@nytimes.com
To the Editor:
Ten of the eleven state deposit laws are outmoded (editorial, August 8th). They are unfair for retailers, expensive for consumers, and capture a small portion of recyclable containers.
While not perfect, experience from the 11th state, California, proves that we can reduce the cost of deposit systems, minimize bureaucracy, and collect a wider variety and higher quantity of recyclables.
Old deposit laws are designed for carbonated beer and soft drinks. If we want to add other beverages, and better still, all recyclable containers, we need an affordable system that allows a variety of collection methods.
Returning empties to the store is a 1970 solution to a 2007 problem.
Our company, and likely many others, would support a system that ensures a level playing field for manufacturers, efficiency and cost consideration for consumers, and relief for retailers handling the redemption task.
It is time all sides took a fresh look at these issues.
Brian Flaherty
Director of Public Affairs
Nestlé Waters North America
(Member, Conn. House of Representatives 1989-2003)
777 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
(203) 863-0111
