BILL NUMBER: S1534
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the
redemption of empty beverage containers
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The bill would amend the environmental conservation law in order to
allow large volume dealers to collect bottle redemption deposits from
distributors upon pick up in the same manner as these bottle redemptions
are purchased from the same distributors.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 requires large distributors or their agents to make payments
to the dealer according to the same terms imposed on the dealer for
payment.
Section 2 provides for the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation amends the bottle deposit law to allow large volume
dealers to collect bottle redemption deposits from distributors upon
pick up in the same manner as these bottle redemptions are purchased
from the same distributors. This change will require wholesalers to pay
collection fees in cash rather than credit, so retailers receive compen-
sation faster. This update to redemption regulations brings us closer to
achieving the state's environmental goals. In addition, the bill
advances the economic interests of the city's smallest and most vulner-
able retailers by providing them a needed redemption service so that
deposit bottles and cans do not inundate smaller retailers. Soda and
beer companies that no longer have any real proprietary interest over
redemption should not have veto power over redemption practices. New
York State has the responsibility to account for the deposit containers
and should encourage redemption centers because they promote environ-
mental public policy goals and create economic incentives in low-income
neighborhoods.
In addition, this legislation encourages recycling to the benefit of our
treasury and environment. The redemption of returnable beverage contain-
ers has a budgetary impact since the state must pay for the bottles and
cans that are not redeemed through the process above. Streamlining this
redemption process will also increase recycling and diminish New York's
carbon footprint.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S2614-Referred to Environmental Conservation
2021-22 - S5654 - Referred to Environmental Conservation
2019-20: S.5085 - Referred to Environmental Conservation
2017-18: S.5459 - REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S1534: 27-1007 environmental conservation law, 27-1007(7) environmental conservation law