Nestle Waters Seeks Bottle Bill Fix to Promote Recycling and Consumers' Health

GREENWICH, Conn., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Nestle Waters North America CEO Kim
Jeffery issued the following statement supporting a broad-based legal
challenge to New York's Returnable Container Act ("Bottle Bill"):

"Nestle Waters North America has a history of supporting recycling efforts,
and we support environmentally sound bottle deposit laws. We believe the best
ones encourage recycling of all containers, do not hurt consumers, and do not
favor special interests. The New York Bottle Bill fails all three tests.
Moreover, the new law is unconstitutional, and a solid foundation is needed to
build a lasting and effective recycling program.

"We can stand behind a bottle bill that promotes a convenient and
comprehensive recycling program, but the current law actually hurts community
based recycling efforts by removing a critical revenue source from curbside
recycling. Also, unlike other bottle bills that return funds from deposit
programs to community recycling programs, the funds generated by this law
would be earmarked by Albany for unrelated items.

"Even more inexplicable is the competitive advantage the bill gives to
non-carbonated, sugar-filled drinks over healthier options like bottled water.
In its current form, this bill makes some high calorie beverages more
affordable for consumers. We need a bill that promotes healthy, convenient
options for consumers and parents.

"We would prefer that the legislature fix these problems, but the deadline for
compliance is fast approaching, and we need to ensure we can provide bottled
water to our customers. All over the country, there are good examples of
bottle bills that work for consumers and for the environment. We don't need
to settle for one that discourages both healthy choices and environmental
stewardship."

SOURCE Nestle Waters North America

Jane Lazgin of Nestle Waters North America, +1-203-863-0111