League Supports Illinois Recycling Refund Program
We recently sent a letter to Illinois state legislators in support of the Beverage Container Recycling Refunds Act (SB85), which would create a recycling refund program in Illinois. Read the letter in full below.
Dear Legislators,
I write to you today as the President of the League of Women Voters of Chicago, to express our strong support for the Beverage Container Recycling Refunds Act, SB85. We believe the proposed legislation marks a major step toward greater sustainability and environmental stewardship in Illinois.
Our endorsement of SB85 is rooted in three pivotal advantages:
Reduction in Litter: Statistics show an approximate doubling in beverage container litter per capita in non-bottle bill states compared to those with bottle bills. Illinois must no longer lag behind, but lead in combating this blight.
Increased Recycling and Energy Conservation: Current data points to only 26% of beverage containers being recycled in Illinois. SB85 would pivot us towards higher quality recycling, reducing the need for virgin materials and doubling our energy savings — akin to powering an additional 42,000 homes.
Job Creation: A recycling refund program is not just an environmental imperative but an economic one, potentially creating up to 38 times more jobs in the recycling sector compared to curbside systems.
The urgent need for a recycling refund program is undeniable. The presence of microplastics in our environment has dire consequences for the health of our ecosystems and, by extension, our citizens. With Illinois generating a staggering 7.9 billion un-recycled beverage containers annually, the time to act is now.
This bill is a leap forward for Illinois, aligning us with over 50 jurisdictions globally that have successfully implemented similar systems. It is an opportunity for Illinois to join the ranks of progressive states, carving a path towards a circular economy. Notably, this initiative places the financial onus on distributors and importers, not Illinois taxpayers. It promises substantial savings for municipalities by reducing litter cleanup costs and fostering job growth in the private sector.
In closing, I implore you to consider this not as an anti-industry measure, but as a visionary step that secures long-term economic health, safeguards our environment, and enhances the well-being of our residents.
We appreciate your attention to this critical matter and look forward to contributing to Illinois’ brighter, greener future.
Respectfully,
Jane Ruby
President
League of Women Voters of Chicago