What is a primary goal of environmental regulatory laws such as the Bottle Bill?

The primary goal of environmental regulatory laws such as the Bottle Bill is to incentivize container recycling. These laws aim to reduce litter and promote responsible waste management by encouraging consumers to return their beverage containers for a refund. This process not only helps keep public spaces clean but also supports the recycling industry by ensuring that materials are collected and repurposed rather than ending up in landfills or the environment.

The Bottle Bill specifically provides a financial incentive, typically in the form of a deposit on beverage containers, which consumers can reclaim when they return the containers to participating locations. This mechanism effectively promotes recycling behavior and contributes to reducing the overall consumption of resources by encouraging the reuse of materials.

In contrast, the other choices suggest goals that oppose the principles of responsible environmental stewardship; for example, promoting single-use plastics would undermine recycling efforts, enhancing littering would directly conflict with the aims of reducing waste in public spaces, and discouraging any form of recycling contradicts the fundamental objectives of laws like the Bottle Bill.