New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05684

Introduced
2/27/25  
Refer
2/27/25  

Caption

Relates to returnable bottles; adds noncarbonated soft drinks, certain noncarbonated fruit or vegetable juices, coffee and tea beverages, carbonated fruit beverages and cider to the definition of "beverage"; provides that beginning April 1, 2027, the handling fee will be six cents for each beverage container accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center; directs the multi-agency bottle bill fraud investigation team to submit a report on findings of pervasive bottle redemption fraud in New York state.

Summary

Bill S05684 amends the environmental conservation law to expand the definition of 'beverage' to include noncarbonated soft drinks, certain noncarbonated fruit or vegetable juices, coffee and tea beverages, carbonated fruit beverages, and cider. The bill also mandates that the handling fee for beverage containers accepted by deposit initiators from dealers or redemption centers will increase to six cents starting April 1, 2027. Additionally, it establishes a multi-agency bottle bill fraud investigation team tasked with reporting on beverage container redemption fraud in New York State.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the state's environmental conservation laws by broadening the scope of what constitutes a redeemable beverage container, thereby increasing the number of containers eligible for redemption. The increase in the handling fee aims to incentivize better recycling practices and improve the financial viability of redemption centers. Furthermore, the establishment of a fraud investigation team is intended to address and mitigate fraudulent activities related to bottle redemption, which could enhance the integrity of the bottle deposit system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S05684 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with support for its goals of increasing recycling rates and addressing fraud. However, there may be concerns from stakeholders regarding the financial implications of the increased handling fee and the administrative burden of the new reporting requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential financial impact on beverage distributors and retailers due to the increased handling fee and expanded definitions of redeemable containers. Some stakeholders may argue that these changes could lead to higher costs for consumers or complicate existing redemption processes. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the effectiveness of the fraud investigation team's proposed measures.

Companion Bills

NY A06543

Same As Relates to returnable bottles; adds noncarbonated soft drinks, certain noncarbonated fruit or vegetable juices, coffee and tea beverages, carbonated fruit beverages and cider to the definition of "beverage"; provides that beginning April 1, 2027, the handling fee will be six cents for each beverage container accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center; directs the multi-agency bottle bill fraud investigation team to submit a report on findings of pervasive bottle redemption fraud in New York state.

Previously Filed As

NY A06543

Relates to returnable bottles; adds noncarbonated soft drinks, certain noncarbonated fruit or vegetable juices, coffee and tea beverages, carbonated fruit beverages and cider to the definition of "beverage"; provides that beginning April 1, 2027, the handling fee will be six cents for each beverage container accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center; directs the multi-agency bottle bill fraud investigation team to submit a report on findings of pervasive bottle redemption fraud in New York state.

NY S00237

Relates to returnable bottles; adds noncarbonated soft drinks, certain noncarbonated fruit or vegetable juices, coffee and tea beverages, carbonated fruit beverages and cider to the definition of "beverage"; provides that beginning April 1, 2026, the handling fee will be six cents for each beverage container accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center.

NY A08391

Relates to returnable beverage containers; amends certain definitions relating thereto; repeals a certain provision of law relating thereto; provides that a dealer whose place of business is less than ten thousand square feet and whose primary business is the sale of food or beverages for consumption off-premises may obtain an exemption from the obligation to accept empty beverage containers for redemption under certain conditions; provides for different handling fees for beverage containers accepted by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center; provides that a deposit initiator shall have the right to conduct audits of containers presented for redemption by redemption centers or dealers subject to certain provisions; provides requirements for groups of deposit initiators and brands to form a commingling group; relates to provisions governing redemption centers.

NY S07722

Relates to returnable beverage containers; amends certain definitions relating thereto; repeals a certain provision of law relating thereto; provides that a dealer whose place of business is less than ten thousand square feet and whose primary business is the sale of food or beverages for consumption off-premises may obtain an exemption from the obligation to accept empty beverage containers for redemption under certain conditions; provides for different handling fees for beverage containers accepter by a deposit initiator from a dealer or operator of a redemption center; provides that a deposit initiator shall have the right to conduct audits of containers presented for redemption by redemption centers or dealers subject to certain provisions; provides requirements for groups of deposit initiators and brands to form a commingling group; relates to provisions governing redemption centers.

NY SB171

Provides a state sales and use tax exemption for certain beverages sold in bottles, jugs, or containers. (gov sig) (OR -$17,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NY HB1429

Alcoholic beverage control; definitions, designer and vintage spirit bottles.

NY S08010

Adds spirit-based ready-to-drink cocktails to the definition of beverage; includes ready-to-drink cocktail containers in the state bottle deposit incentive program.

NY HB1429

A BILL to amend and reenact ยง 4.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, relating to alcoholic beverage control; definitions; designer and vintage spirit bottles.

NY HSB661

A bill for an act relating to the definition of beverage for purposes of beverage container redemption.

NY A09354

Requires manufacturers with gross annual beverage sale revenues of ten million dollars or more, beginning January 1, 2030, to sell and distribute plastic beverage containers with tethered plastic beverage caps or openings from which the beverage can be consumed while the plastic beverage cap remains screwed onto or otherwise affixed to the plastic beverage container; requires manufacturers with gross annual beverage sale revenues of one million dollars or more to comply by January 1, 2033.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.