Require All Plastic Water Bottles to be Replaced with Reusable Water Bottles.

 

.This bill aims to reduce plastic pollution in Minnesota by getting rid of single-use plastic water bottles. Stores,

public places, government buildings, and events will no longer be allowed to sell or hand out plastic water bottles that

are meant to be thrown away after one use. Instead, they must distribute the bottle for free with promotions from other

companies or offer reusable water bottles for sale. They also must provide bottle refill stations with a built in bottle

cleaning station so people can easily fill their bottles as well as clean the bottles.

People can also receive a reusable bottle by turning in old plastic bottles they have or that they find into machines

that will collect the bottles and dispense a reusable bottle. A person would turn in 20 plastic bottles in return for

one reusable bottle given to them by the machine. These would be placed in Stores, public areas, and recycling centers.

When the machine gets full the bottles will be transported and sold to the nearest recycling facility to be disposed of.

Another way people can dispose of the plastic bottles is by throwing them away into the correct bin marked recycling,

also collected and sent to the nearest recycling facility.

 

Plastic pollution has become a serious environmental problem, harming wildlife, littering public spaces, and filling

landfills. Single-use plastic water bottles are a major contributor to this issue because they are often used once and

thrown away. By replacing disposable bottles with reusable bottles and providing refill and cleaning stations, this bill

will significantly reduce plastic waste in Minnesota. It will encourage environmentally responsible behavior and reduce

trash on our streets and in our forests. In addition, by offering convenient ways to recycle or exchange bottles, people

are more likely to participate in reducing plastic waste.

 

Single-Use Plastic Water Bottle: A water container made of plastic that is intended to be used once and then discarded.

Reusable Water Bottle: A durable water container designed to be used multiple times and refilled with water from refill

stations.

Bottle Refill Station: A station that allows people to fill their reusable water bottles with clean drinking water.

Bottle Cleaning Station: A feature at refill stations where reusable bottles can be washed or sanitized.

Recycling Bin: A designated container for disposing of plastic bottles to ensure they are recycled properly.

Exchange Machine: A machine that collects a set number of used plastic bottles and dispenses a reusable bottle in

return.

 

 

The program will sustain itself through revenue from collected plastic bottles, which are sold to recycling facilities,

and through the sale of reusable bottles at stores, events, and public areas which 15% of all sales of the water bottles

will come back to the program to keep it running. Companies can sponsor the program by donating to our program as well

as the building of refill stations, exchange machines, and public awareness campaigns in exchange for advertising and

recognition, creating ongoing support between my program and the company. A portion of funds can be given to the program

from our local environmental charity groups, helping to further reduce plastic waste.

 

If any business, public facility, or event sells or gives out single-use plastic water bottles, They will be fined. For

smaller business the fine is a base of $1000 then after 3 offences $800 will be added on and after 5 offences the

buisness risks losing permits to sell items. With a medium sized buisness the fine will start at $4000 after 3 offences

an additional $2000 will be added on and after 5 they will risk losing permits to sell items. For a large business or

events the starting payment is $10000, after 3 an extra $6000, and after 5 offences legal action will be taken and the

business could lose permits or state funding.

 

This bill becomes active at the start of the next calendar year. By that date, all places must follow the rules. After

the effective date, no single-use plastic water bottles may be sold or handed out in Minnesota.