Dear Governor Hochul and Legislative Leaders Stewart-Cousins and Heastie,

I write to express my strong support for modernizing New York’s Returnable Container Act, commonly known as the ‘Bottle Bill.’ Enacted in 1982, the ‘Bottle Bill’ requires a 5-cent refundable deposit on eligible beverage containers to encourage their return to avoid litter and waste.

It's time to update the law to 1) include popular non-carbonated beverages, wine, spirits, and hard cider, and 2) increase the redeemable deposit value to 10-cents to increase the rate of recovery. Ahead of the program’s 40th anniversary, we urge you to modernize this effective program for the next 40 years so that it can grow New York’s “circular economy.” Indeed, the Bottle Bill is one of New York State’s pioneering and most successful Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies.

Including more types of containers – already being done in other states – will reduce burdens on municipal waste and recycling programs. Further, the impact of the nickel deposit that was approved in 1982 has eroded over time. A mere inflation update would make that deposit nearly fifteen cents. In order to ensure that those who wish to redeem their deposits can easily do so, we also recommend that a portion of the additional revenues collected by the state be used to ensure better compliance and enhance access to redemption entities.

Modernization of the 40-year-old Bottle Bill will further enhance litter control, help stimulate recycling efforts and local economies, and support local businesses struggling against inflation and increased costs. We urge that you include a plan to expand and modernize the Bottle Bill as part of the 2023 State budget.

Thank you.