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Members of beverage industry head to Beacon Hill

BOSTON (AP) — Opponents of past efforts to expand the types of bottles covered by Massachusetts' existing bottle bill are heading to Beacon Hill.

The Massachusetts Beverage Association says it's planning to hold an informational day Thursday at the Statehouse to share details about their positions on legislative issues and sustainability programs like curbside recycling and bottle bills.

Representatives from Polar Beverages, Coca-Cola Northern New England, Pepsi, Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Nestlé Waters are among those taking part.

The event comes as environmental activists are pushing a ballot question that would expand the types of bottles covered by Massachusetts' existing bottle bill to include non-carbonated beverages like water, tea and sports drinks.

On Wednesday, Attorney General Martha Coakley ruled the question passed an initial constitutional test to get on the 2014 ballot.