To the Editor:

I own and operate a Shop N Go in Warwick, and I’m worried the proposed bottle bill could hurt Rhode Islanders – and threaten the future of my business.

The bill would add a 10-cent tax on bottles and cans, meaning that the price of nearly every beverage sold in the state would increase, all at a time when families are already struggling. Increased prices will mean fewer customers and fewer sales. For businesses like mine, that can be the difference between keeping the lights on or closing up shop for good.

What’s worse, this type of tax hits hardest those who are struggling the most. For seniors, individuals with disabilities or those who don’t have access to reliable transportation, making an extra trip to a redemption center to reclaim the deposit is out of the question.

Like many Rhode Islanders, I support initiatives that advance recycling outcomes to protect our beaches, parks and neighborhoods, but this bill is not the right approach. It would create unreasonable financial challenges for small businesses and working families who are just trying to make it by.

Our state already has curbside recycling programs. Why don’t we focus on making that better, more effective and even more accessible instead of creating an entirely new system that places the burden on families and small businesses?

I care about my business, I care about my employees and I care about my customers. A bottle tax would hurt all three. I urge lawmakers to go back to the table and find a better solution to keep our state clean.

Jalil Rehman

Warwick