Rhode Island Environmentalists Report on the Benefits of the Container Deposit and Return System.

Rhode Island environmentalists provide all the details of the Container Deposit and Return System to prevent misinformation from spreading by some opponents of this initiative.

One of the main misunderstandings is that the deposit has been mistakenly labeled as a “tax.” Advocates emphasize that a deposit is fully refundable, unlike a tax. . “It is immediately refunded upon the return of the container, as is the case with beer kegs,” they explain.

They also refute claims that the project would affect the state budget: all costs would be borne by producers, unlike another proposal (H6205/S939) that would eliminate the current container tax and reduce state revenue by up to 3.5 million dollars annually.

According to a survey conducted by Save The Bay in February, 58% of Rhode Island residents support the deposit system after learning the arguments for and against it. Even an industry-funded study showed national support exceeding 75%.

Advocates denounce that misleading tactics are being used to mobilize older citizens, some in nursing homes, to express their opposition through calls managed by opponents.

They also clarify that the proposed system will not require distributors to handle containers or retailers to collect them, thus addressing historical concerns of the sector. Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, responsible for state recycling, does not oppose the projects and has identified associated operational benefits.