Bill > S05820

This bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to increase the handling fee paid to dealers or operators of redemption centers for collecting and processing empty beverage containers. Currently, dealers receive 3.5 cents per container as compensation for collecting, sorting, and packaging empty containers. Starting April 1, 2025, the handling fee will increase to 6 cents and will be periodically adjusted based on changes in the minimum wage. The bill specifies that the handling fee adjustments will be linked to increases in either the federal or New York state minimum wage, whichever is higher. If the minimum wage increases, the handling fee will be increased by the same percentage and rounded to the nearest half-cent. For New York state minimum wage increases that vary by region or employer size, the calculation will be based on the wage rate for New York City employers with 11 or more employees. The bill ensures that the handling fee cannot be conditioned on purchasing goods or services and cannot be paid from the refund value account. The purpose of this legislation is to provide fair compensation to redemption centers for their role in the beverage container recycling process.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5820