While the Trump administration has put a pause on many proposed new tariffs, some — like the 25 percent tariff on aluminum — are still in play. Coca-Cola chief executive James Quincey said that Coke may increase its use of plastic to mitigate price hikes, as it imports aluminum from Canada for its soda cans.

No matter your stance on President Trump’s tariffs, people who care about reducing pollution and saving money should agree that beverage companies can use this as an opportunity to reduce waste and buy recycled aluminum, which is collected by local recycling programs. It’s un-American not to.

Instead of sitting by while big companies sell more plastic bottles, Congress should adopt a national bottle bill.

For over 40 years now, residents of 10 states have reaped the benefits of state-level refundable container deposit laws, known as “bottle bills.” Here’s how it works: I go to the store and buy a can of soda or bottle of beer and I pay a nickel or dime deposit, which is refunded to me when I return the empty container either to the store or a local small business, known as a redemption center. A dime is better because you see a higher return rate.

This simple and elegant return system has prevented billions........

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