Massachusetts
Let’s Pass a Better Bottle Bill, with Reuse
The state of Massachusetts is currently considering climate and plastics legislation, including modernizing its Bottle Bill. These updates would reduce confusion and make recycling more effective. The failings of the existing bottle bill are visible: littered nips and bottles are a common sight.
We’re calling on Massachusetts legislators to move expeditiously this session to update and improve the state bottle bill, as well as include reuse so that we can build momentum in moving away from a single-use system. We’re advocating for a bill that:
- Covers more type of beverages (nips, bottled water, juice, etc)
- Raises the deposit
- Creates a reuse and refill system
If passed, a bill like this would slash plastic pollution, reduce packaging waste, cut carbon emissions, create green jobs, hold corporations accountable for their litter and more.
Ways to Take Action
1. Send a Postcard to Your Reps
Mail a handwritten postcard directly to your Massachusetts representatives. We provide postcards, stamps, recommendations of who to write to and sample messages.
These “Wish You Were Here” vintage vacation-inspired postcards feature different countries that are reuse success stories. Germany and the Philippines have over 50% of their bottled beverages sold in reusables and refilled!
Short on time? You can fill out a virtual postcard and we will send it for you.
2. Message Your Reps
Use our tool to easily contact your representatives with a click. You can also customize your message and share why this issue matters to you.
3. Submit Your Photos of Littered Bottles, Cans and Nips
Join our photo project as we crowdsource photos of littered bottles and cans, and tag Massachusetts legislators on social media. We’ll use these photos to ensure leadership in the legislature feels mounting pressure to act now. See our thread on Twitter/X.
4. Share on Social Media
Tag your representatives on Twitter/X and urge them to support, or retweet our thread.
- Step 1: Look up your reps and their Twitter/X account
- Step 2: Post and tag your reps! You can tag these target representatives as well. Here are examples:
We’re tired of all the plastic polluting Massachusetts! @SenRodrigues @RepMichlewitz @senatorbarrett @jeffroy @RonMariano please support a modern #MABottleBill that:
🥤 covers more beverages (nips, bottled water, etc)
💰 raises the deposit
⭐ creates a refill and reuse system
Let’s nip it in the bud. Nips, plastic bottles and more pollute our Massachusetts waterways and environment.
@SenRodrigues @RepMichlewitz @senatorbarrett @jeffroy @RonMariano please pass a better, modernized bottle bill, with refill and reuse! #MABottleBill
Thank you for advocating! Change doesn’t happen without changemakers like you.
Questions? Email Alex at alex [at] storyofstuff [dot] org.
