California may add wine, liquor bottles to recycling program

By DON THOMPSON
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California is moving to add wine and distilled spirits containers to its struggling recycling program. But consumer advocates say the measure also includes too many giveaways to big corporations. Adding wine and spirits would bring nearly $18 million more annually to the state’s recycling fund starting in 2024, along with annual costs topping $6 million. It’s also giving beverage dealers another option to collect empty bottles and cans. But critics say the measure approved Wednesday would give away nearly $400 million over the next five years to corporations they say don’t need the incentives. The measure cleared the Assembly 54-0 and the Senate 38-0 without spoken opposition. It now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom.