Fill Those Growlers, D.C.

 

With the District's beer renaissance in full swing, sometimes local laws lag behind libations. That's the case with growlers, the half-gallon glass bottles that are the preferred container for beer connoisseurs, brewers and some retailers. [ more at DCist › ] 

And here's this from the councilmember's website:

The second proposed introduced by Wells is titled the "Sustainable Bottle Amendment Act of 2011." The legislation is a way to support several entrepreneurs seeking new business and create a new sustainability effort to cut down on the number of bottles consumed and that enter our public works system.

Customers outside of the District have long reused containers - often 1 to 3 liters in size - at brewpubs and retailers to significantly reduce the number of bottles that find their way into our trash and recycling streams.

Just over the District border in Hyattsville, for example, a customer can return a clean container to a brewpub or retailer, have the container filled and sealed, and return home. Within the last year, the opening of new manufacturers such as DC Brau on Bladensburg Road NE, have raised the consciousness about using them. Several retailers have made investments in the containers and heat shrink sealers, but have learned through ABRA that current DC law doesn't provide clear guidance for this effort.

Councilmember Wells commented, "Small businesses I've spoken to have talked about the potential for a substantial reduction in the number of containers they and their customers use, and are also excited for a new line of business and offering of products to their customers."

A copy of the bill can be found here: Wells, Sustainable Bottles.pdf

via DCist by Martin Austermuhle on 12/7/11