Every fall in Montpelier, communities members and high school students come together for the annual Winooski River clean up. Joined by Friends of the Winooski, volunteers scour the two mile stretch that runs through downtown Montpelier and past Montpelier High School. Several years ago, students began to notice increasing numbers of tires scattered along the riverbed and in the river itself.
Questions were raised about why these tires were being dumped illegally and what we could do to mitigate the problem. Slowly, the concept of a redeemable automobile tire deposit evolved. Modeled after the Bottle Bill, the tire deposit is intended to provide the consumer a financial incentive to properly dispose of their tires.
Over the past three years, students at Montpelier have been working with the media, legislators and members of the Vermont Youth Environmental Coalition to spread the message throughout the state. Today the bill sits in the House Natural Resources Committee, awaiting a February 10th testimony. If you are interested in supporting this legislation please write to the editor of your local paper, contact your legislators, or attend the testimony! For questions, contact Ruthie or Caroline.
