A State Senate task force will begin hearings this month on recycling in Michigan and proposals to amend Michigan's 26-year-old bottle and can deposit law.

Chaired by State Senator Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Township), the six-member task force was appointed by Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema (R-Wyoming). Its mission is "to review the state's current recycling program and to evaluate the impact of Michigan's beverage container program on statewide recycling, along with its effects on the consumer, business and the environment."

Appointment of the committee follows a promise from Governor Jennifer Granholm in her successful 2002 campaign to expand the deposit law to include water bottles, iced tea and juice containers, which make up a far greater percentage of the state's garbage stream than they did in the 1970s when the deposit took effect.

Industry groups have mobilized to block expansion of the deposit law and have hinted the Legislature should repeal it. In an op-ed piece published in the February 2 Lansing State Journal, a spokesperson for Spartan Stores, Inc. criticized the expanded deposit.

"Michigan's record on recycling is inexcusable," wrote Mary Dechow. "We need a comprehensive approach that maximizes recycling opportunities. A solid recycling policy, with convenient curbside and drop off options, could be coupled with a strong litter prevention program. The result would far exceed any capabilities of an expanded bottle bill."

James Clift, MEC's Policy Director, notes the retailers that Dechow represents and other business interests also opposed the original deposit law in 1976, saying inaccurately that it would dramatically increase beer and wine prices, cost Michigan thousands of jobs, cause unsanitary store conditions and disease, and lead to long store lines. When the Legislature refused to approve the bill, a citizen petition drive put it on the ballot. Voters approved it by a margin of nearly two-to-one.

"Like most Michigan citizens, MEC supports expansion of the deposit law," said Clift. "It makes sense for the environment and the economy. The deposit is popular and effective, and we'll be making the case for expansion to the Senate, along with ideas to help support recycling programs statewide."

In addition to Sen. Brown, the all-Republican task force includes Sens. Patty Birkholz, Mike Bishop, Alan Cropsey, Jud Gilbert and Michele McManus. The first meeting was held February 17th in Grand Rapids, with the second scheduled for March 2 in Oakland County.