Oregon lawmakers discuss reusable beverage containers to combat plastic pollution

The Senate Committee on Energy and Environment convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding plastic pollution and the potential for reusable beverage containers in Oregon. The meeting highlighted significant findings from recent studies and proposed policy changes aimed at reducing plastic waste.

The session opened with a presentation detailing a new study that attributes 350,000 deaths annually to heart disease linked to plastic pollution. This alarming statistic underscored the urgency of addressing plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics, which remain a major environmental concern. The committee discussed the staggering figure of 58 billion single-use plastic bottles consumed each year, enough to circle the globe 3,000 times.

Advocates for reusable containers emphasized the need for a transition away from single-use plastics. A study from California was referenced, suggesting that if Oregon adopted similar policies, it could see a reduction of 3 billion plastic bottles annually by shifting to 25% reusable bottles within 12 years. This transition could also generate significant economic benefits, including $75 million in waste management savings and the creation of approximately 12,000 jobs.

Scott Defife, president of the Glass Packaging Institute, spoke in favor of expanding the use of reusable glass bottles. He highlighted Oregon's strong glass recycling program and the potential for local production of sustainable glass containers. Defife pointed out that consumer preferences lean towards glass over plastic, particularly for beverages like beer and wine. He called for greater investment in the infrastructure needed to support a refillable system, noting that successful models exist in other countries.

Abby Bediras from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality introduced the MIRROR program, aimed at funding initiatives to reduce environmental impacts from packaging and food service ware. This program, part of the Recycling Modernization Act, is set to begin funding in 2027 and will support various projects, including those focused on reusable packaging.

Dr. Anya Brandon from Ocean Conservancy concluded the meeting by stressing the importance of reducing plastic production and improving recycling efforts. She reiterated that single-use plastics are a significant source of pollution in Oregon's waterways and beaches. Brandon advocated for policies that promote a shared, interoperable reuse system, leveraging the state's historic bottle bill as a foundation for future initiatives.

The committee's discussions underscored a collective commitment to addressing plastic pollution through innovative policies and community engagement, setting the stage for Oregon to lead in sustainable practices. The meeting concluded with a call for further collaboration among stakeholders to enhance the state's recycling and reuse infrastructure.