As reported by PlasticsNews.com, beginning on Jan. 1, 2013, businesses in Concord, MA, will no longer be able to sell 1-L or smaller PET bottles.
The bylaw, which the article says is believed to be the first ban of PET bottles in the nation, is still subject to review by the state attorney general’s office. “It passed 403-364 during Concord’s open town meeting, according to Town Manager Christopher Whelan,” says PlasticsNews.
The article reports that the bylaw has been on the docket before. Two years ago, it passed but was overturned by the attorney general, after it was termed unenforceable. Last year, a revised version lost by seven votes, and advocate Jean Hill blamed a late-night vote as the reason for its defeat.
According to PlasticsNews, the International Bottled Water Association said it was disappointed with the decision. It quoted IBWA as saying, “This ban will deprive residents of the option to choose their choice of beverage, students the ability to select a healthy option for hydration, and visitors, who come to this birthplace of American independence a basic freedom gifted to them by the actions in this town over 200 years ago. It will also deprive the town of needed tax revenue and harm local businesses that rely on bottled water sales to keep their doors open.”
PlasticsNews says IBWA also said it is reviewing the situation and is keeping all options open.
