More states requiring deposits on bottled water

The number of states requiring deposits on plastic bottles of water will reach six by the end of this year. In cash-strapped New York, the 5-cent deposit on bottles of water will go into effect on June 1, according to this USA Today report.

In New York, the move will not only cut litter and increase recycling but could also earn the state $115 million in unclaimed bottle deposits each year. Massachusetts might add its own deposit law for water, sports drinks, and iced tea in 2010.

Bottle deposits on water likely represent yet another troubling issue for the bottled-water industry. There have been reports of hazardous chemicals in bottled water, and the environmental impact of bottled water has gained prominence. Factor in the recession and money-conscious consumers possibly abandoning pricey bottled H₂O for tap water, and you can see how bottled-water companies might be hurting. After years of steady growth, total consumption of bottled water fell 1 percent in 2008 over the previous year, according to the International Bottled Water Association.

If you drink tap water already or are considering a switch away from bottled water—perhaps in advance of Earth Day on April 22—read our report on water filters (ratings are available to subscribers). Store water in containers that are free of bisphenol A, or BPA; these include polyethylene, stainless steel, or aluminum with BPA-free liners.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter

Essential information: Turn your old plastic soda bottles into slow-release watering devices for your plants.