Hartford, CT – The CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued a statement this week notifying the public that the agency will be suspending enforcement of the state’s container deposit law (AKA “the Bottle Bill), in response to the COVID-19 crisis unfolding in Connecticut. The agency has stated that it will not be issuing violations to retailers who refuse to accept redeemable beverage containers during this time. Further, the agency has recommended protective measures for redemption industry employees as a way to minimize the potential spread of infectious bacteria.
CCE’s CT Program Director Louis Rosado Burch issued the following statement:
“We recognize that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Unfortunately, long after the COVID-19 crisis is over, Connecticut will still be facing a severe solid waste and recycling crisis. The CT Bottle Bill has long been one of our state’s best tools for promoting recycling, reducing litter in our communities and saving municipalities and taxpayers’ money on solid waste management. The bottle bill will continue to be a critical program long after Corona virus is gone. We must not allow this health crisis to further cripple our waste management system. If the state must interrupt enforcement around the bottle bill, it should be a very temporary hold.”
