The Wisconsin Beverage Association responds.

Published Dec. 26, 2008 at 1:15 p.m.

5 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

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Posted by kac_mke on Dec. 31, 2008 at 2:32 p.m. (report)

I can't agree with you more nmballa! I have looked in vain for recycling containers at countless events and public buildings. Not even near the vending machine that sells the offending bottles. I rarely use bottled water unless I'm in a place where there's no other alternative. Instead of banning the bottles, why don't you put a recycling surcharge on them...instead of making them so cheap people use them like they're as cheap as drinking tap water. In addition to the money it costs to recycle the bottles, the careless disposal of them takes a huge toll on our environment. If not a surcharge (which I'm sure the manufacturers would never want) and not banning them, at least give us an easy place to dispose of them properly. That would go a long way. And hey, use recylcing containers made from recycled material while you're at it! ;) We need more trash recepticals in general in this city.

Posted by college_dave on Dec. 27, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (report)

It is nice to hear the other side.

Posted by nmballa on Dec. 26, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. (report)

Instead of banning them why not start a push towards recycling. We do live in a capitalistic society so banning someones product and livelihood hardly seems in keeping with that. Let's say that a requirement is put into effect that any manufacture of beverages needs to use x amount of recycled product in their containers. Institute a return policy on glass bottles. For example, in Europe a beer bottle requires a deposit. When said deposit is returned you receive back the deposit. Typically a glass bottle is reused numerous times before it is damaged and recycled. Apply that to glass containers, require plastic containers to contain X amount of recycled material, etc. This is not the manufactures problem to deal with this needs to be handled on a government level. When someone goes into business the goal is to make money. You do that by performing your best with the least amount of cost. You do the bare minimum to stay in compliance with state and federal law. So raise the compliance requirements. The finger of responsibility is being pointed at the wrong party.

Posted by megster37 on Dec. 26, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (report)

I'll stick to tap, thanks PR person.

Posted by hardgeminiguy on Dec. 26, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (report)

YES! ban plastic water bottles--way too much junk for landfills. this is hurting the earth--certainly, not green. plus, some people throw them away anywhere. we survived for so long drinking local water and, milwaukee, for starters, has great water. and how many refill their bottlles from the tap so there is far less waste? i still can not believe people waste so much money, annually, buying bottles of water. give that money to the poor and do your part in saving the earth.