A new poll of registered voters in Rhode Island finds that most support the creation of a deposit return system for beverage containers, better known as a bottle bill. The poll was conducted by the Washington, D.C.-based Mellman Group. It was paid for by Save The Bay, the Can Manufacturers Institute, and Clean Water Action.
Among the poll鈥檚 findings:
There is widespread concern about litter and waste along the Ocean State鈥檚 coastline and in local marine waters (85%), with 65% saying it is of 鈥済reat concern鈥� to them.
Nearly three-quarters (71%) are concerned that 鈥淩hode Island鈥檚 recycling system is not working.鈥� Similarly, 73% are concerned that the Central Landfill in Johnston is nearing capacity.
After hearing arguments from both sides, a healthy majority (58% to 31%) supports a bottle bill.
Most voters said they are likely to return their empty beverage containers. When told where redemption centers would be located, 57% said they were likely to participate 鈥� 38% said they were unlikely.
鈥淩hode Islanders are tired of seeing single-use beverage containers littering our streets and our shoreline,鈥� Jed Thorp, Save The Bay鈥檚 director of advocacy, said. 鈥淭hese poll results show that Rhode Islanders support the adoption of a bottle bill and that they鈥檙e likely to return their empty containers once a system is in place.鈥�
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Author: ecoRI