Meeting Your Reps: Fixing California’s Broken Bottle Bill

The state bottle bill establishes a deposit return system that, when functioning properly, can slash plastic pollution and increase recycling rates by placing a refundable deposit on bottles and cans. Here’s the thing though: California’s isn’t working. It’s a plastic problem that should be a simple fix, but instead, it’s failing people and the planet. Learn more and read our report.

Over the next few weeks, the California legislature is finally considering bottle bill reform, and it’s all hands on deck. We’re planning to meet as many legislators as possible, and your voice is essential for them to hear. 

1. How Do We Fix the Bottle Bill?

By Contacting and Meeting with Our State Representatives

• Support a Budget Proposal investing in the state bottle bill!
• Urge legislators to support a budget proposal that reinvests unredeemed deposits into providing access to points of return for all Californians
• Ensure large retailers are accountable for redeeming deposits

Key Talking Points:

• Share your experiences and difficulties redeeming deposits
• It’s unfair that CalRecycle is sitting on $600 million of unreturned deposits
• Support a budget proposal that reinvests unredeemed deposits into providing access to points of return for all Californians
• Convenient points of return must include a return point at large retailers

2. Sharing Your Story

It is a representative’s job to listen to their constituents – that’s you!

Think about:
– What’s your experience returning bottles and cans
– Why do you redeem or not redeem your bottles and cans?
– Has it gotten more difficult over time?
– What’s frustrating for you?
– Does this experience mirror the experience of others?

3. Scheduling a Meeting

1. Use this tool to find your State Assemblymember and State Senator
2. Use the contact form or email on their website (CC us at alex[at]storyofstuff.org)
3. Use this sample outreach text or write your own:

Dear [insert representative’s name],

I would like to arrange a meeting with [Assemblymember __ // Senator ___] to discuss how we can fix California’s bottle bill. The state bottle bill is in disarray with 71% of the state’s ‘convenience zones’ having nowhere to return bottles and cans and a recent survey showed almost half of retailers are not accepting their obligation to accept empty containers. [Insert a line on difficulty redeeming deposits in your district]. There’s an opportunity to fix the system by investing the unredeemed deposits in CalRecycle’s reserves via the state budget.

Can you let me know when would be a good time to discuss this issue with the [Assemblymember __ // Senator ___].

I look forward to discussing the matter with you in more detail.

Best,
[Insert name],
[Zip code]

4. What’s Next and What to Expect

Please keep us in the loop when the scheduler responds to set up your meeting!

What to expect:
– We can join you for your meeting
– 20-30 minute session
– Agenda: intros, share your personal experience, solutions

Questions? Email me at alex[at]storyofstuff.org.