What is the bottle bill? |
The bottle bill is a system created to incentivize recycling by putting a 5¢ deposit on beverage containers. When a consumer buys a beverage covered in the bottle bill, they pay a 5¢ deposit. When the consumer returns the empty container to a store or redemption center for recycling, they get their deposit back. 100% of it!
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What is the deposit? |
The deposit is the fee consumers pay when purchasing beverages covered under the bottle bill. The consumer then gets their deposit back when returning it to a store or redemption center. The current deposit is 5¢ per container.
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What is a handling fee? |
The handling fee the money paid to businesses accepting bottle returns. This fee is separate from the deposit and paid for by beverage distributors. The handling fee is currently 3.5¢ per container.
(see graphic below for more information) |
What is returnable in NY? |
There is currently a deposit on: soda, beer, malt beverages, water, energy drinks and sparkling juice/cider.
New legislation would make these items returnable as they currently are not: tea, juice, lemonade, cider, sports drinks and potentially wine and liquor. |
Where can I return my containers? |
Any store that sells a beverage must take back its container. Stores do not have to accept containers for beverages they do not sell. Stores typically have a $12 limit per customer.
Redemption centers take all NY redeemable brands. Most do not have volume limitations. Due to bottle redemption being their sole focus and having more square footage available, redemption centers are far better equipped to handle high volume returns. |
Can I fundraise with bottles & cans? |
Absolutely! Bottle drives are a fantastic way to raise money for your cause. Most redemption centers offer the ability to hold a one day bottle drive or to open an account with them to fundraise. People will simply donate their containers to your cause and the redemption center will pay you for the containers. This is a great fundraiser because it helps keep containers from going into landfills or becoming litter. It also allows people who may not be able to afford a cash donation still contribute to your cause.
Please note that grocery or convenience stores are unlikely to offer this option to due brand and storage restrictions. |
Isn't the deposit just another tax? |
Do you get 100% of your property taxes back? How about sales tax or income tax? The answer is no, because you don't get 100% of taxes back. But you do get 100% of a deposit back.
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