Paper deposit law?

Of particular concern is the inclusion of fruit drinks, which often come in paperboard containers. The original law, passed in 1972, levied a deposit on carbonated beverages and beer and cited metal, plastic containers, "or cartons." Since neither carbonated beverages nor beer covered under the '72 law come in cartons, it was unclear why cartons were mentioned, says Jack Lewis of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC). The Oregon Public Interest Research Group, the primary sponsor of the referendum, told PPC in writing the referendum was not aimed at other types of packaging, merely other beverages. Nevertheless, should the referendum pass, the carton clause, long dormant, would require a deposit on cartons containing beverages mentioned in the referendum. PPC, GMA, National Soft Drink Association and others face an uphill fight in defeating the referendum, Lewis reported. Oregon passed the first forced deposit law and its citizens are proud of the results they attribute to the law.