Request edit access
2025 Bottle Bill Petition

Re: Support Modernizing New York’s Returnable Container Act (“Bottle Bill”) Which Would Increase Redemption Rates, Reduce Litter, Help Reduce Solid Wastes, and Protect Jobs & Businesses

Dear Governor Hochul,

The undersigned individuals write to express our strong support to modernize New York’s Returnable Container Act, commonly known as the ‘Bottle Bill.’ It's time to update the law to increase the deposit value, include popular non-carbonated beverages, wine, spirits, hard cider, and other beverage containers. Expanding the type of beverages in the Bottle Bill deposit program will result in billions of bottles being diverted from landfills and incinerators. An expanded Bottle Bill will further reduce pollution, especially plastic pollution, all while lifting up workers in the recycling and redemption industry.

There are four important steps needed to modernize the law:

Expand the beverage containers covered by the law.  Many containers, like sports drinks and iced teas, are currently exempt from the Bottle Bill simply because they didn't exist at the time of the law's passage four decades ago.  Expanding the beverage containers covered by the law would reduce litter and garbage that gets sent to landfills or incinerators. 

Increase the amount of the deposit to a dime. The impact of the nickel deposit that was approved in 1982 has eroded over time. A mere inflation update would likely make that deposit nearly fifteen cents.

Increase the "handling fee,” which has not been increased in 15 years.   The "handling fee" is the funding stream for redemption centers to handle redeemable containers.  The costs of running a business have significantly increased over the past 15 years, but the handling fee has not. As a result, over 100 centers have had to close, thus undermining the program, reducing consumer convenience, and costing the state jobs. 

Modernization has other benefits as well.  The bill’s reuse provisions would require 25% of beverage bottles be refilled by 2030, in line with Coca-Cola's and Pepsi's public refill commitments. This will reduce single-use plastic bottles that are made from fossil fuels, bringing it more in alignment with NYSERDA’s Climate Plan by phasing out single-use packaging. Deposit programs are also much better for glass recycling.

We urge your support for this important environmental and economic justice initiative. Making the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill a top priority for the 2025 session will bolster the state’s efforts to reduce litter, enhance recycling, create jobs, lift up canners in disadvantaged communities, expand equity, and ease consumer participation. 

Sign in to Google to save your progress. Learn more
Name *
Email  *
Would you like to receive updates from the Bottle Bill 40 Coalition *
Zip Code *
Phone Number
Submit
Clear form
Never submit passwords through Google Forms.
This form was created inside of New York Public Interest Research Group.

Does this form look suspicious? Report