ALBANY- State Senator Rachel May (D-Syracuse) announced her “Bigger Better Bottle Bill” that would increase deposits for bottles and cans from a nickel to a dime. The original bottle deposit legislation was enacted in 1982, and supporters say it is past time for an increase.
According to the Container Recycling Institute, over 11 million tons of containers have been recycled in New York since the implementation of the original bottle bill more than 40 years ago. The proposal by May would add carbonated beverages, wine, and liquor to the bottle deposit list.
In the bill memo, May writes, “raising the deposit to 10 cents will incentivize the public to return empty beverage containers, reduce litter, and provide additional income to individuals who collect and redeem such containers.” Opponents of the bill claim that increased deposit fees will only add expense to food and grocery orders at a time when many families are struggling with increased prices.
