This legislation would create a legal definition to ensure that recyclable PET bottles and aluminum cans are treated similarly under the law, and importantly it would prevent them from being considered “single-use”.

PET and Aluminum are the most recyclable and recycled item in Massachusetts and continue to be the most valuable materials in the waste stream. There is high demand for the recycled bales of material from carpet manufacturers, footwear and apparel, and bottlers. There is currently no legal definition of single-use, and this bill would ensure highly recyclable containers are differentiated. This legislation would not impact the current deposit system and has the potential to be a first step toward other recycling and pollution reduction goals. The language is consistent with and can be used to help reinforce the DEP waste ban on single-resin, long neck plastic bottles.