Bill > A07860

This bill aims to address environmental concerns by expanding New York's bottle deposit system to include spirit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails. Currently, only malt-based RTD beverages are covered by the state's returnable container act, but this legislation would add spirit-based RTD cocktails to the definition of "beverage" eligible for the deposit program. The bill defines RTD cocktails as premixed beverages containing distilled spirits, not exceeding 6% alcohol by volume, packaged in sealed containers for off-premises consumption. The legislative findings highlight that approximately 100 million spirit-based RTD containers are sold annually in New York, and many are improperly discarded, contributing to litter in parks, streets, waterways, and landfills. By including these containers in the bottle deposit system, the bill aims to provide a financial incentive for recycling, reduce environmental waste, and create a more consistent regulatory approach for single-serve beverage containers. The changes will take effect 180 days after the bill becomes law, giving businesses and consumers time to adapt to the new requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7860