In 1990, Maine’s bottle bill expanded. Five cent deposits were newly required on noncarbonated drinks. Fifteen cent deposits went on wine and liquor bottles.

The Natural Resources Council of Maine championed this law and cooperated to see proper measures for success. The result? Four hundred new redemption jobs, including a large third-party recycling company.

Say what you will about redemption centers, but these were owner/operator businesses, new money ventured, not working for a salvage department store. During this time, NRCM was helpful, with the interests of Maine people and the environment we share at heart.

We should thank NRCM for all their research, involvement and endeavors.

Heidi Chadbourne

Manchester