Janet's Green Planet

NY State Expanded Bottle Bill in Effect

Effective October 31, 2009, bottled water sold in New York State will join the ranks of carbonated beverages such as soda and beer to include a redeemable deposit upon purchase. All containers of water under a gallon in size, including flavored water with no added sugar, will be subject to New York’s Returnable Container Act. The state’s “Bottle Bill” now covers almost 90% of beverage containers sold in New York but continues to exclude iced tea, sports drinks and other non-carbonated products. Consumers may retrieve their nickel by returning empty bottles to the store. 80% of the unclaimed deposits will be returned to the State.