Bill > S07722

This bill modifies New York's beverage container deposit and redemption system by making several key changes. It expands the definition of "beverage" to include more types of non-alcoholic drinks while excluding certain beverages like dairy-based drinks and meal replacement liquids. The bill provides an exemption for smaller dealers (less than 10,000 square feet) from mandatory container redemption if they have a written agreement with a nearby redemption center within specific distance parameters. It introduces a new concept of "commingling," which allows beverage container groups to sort containers by material type and size rather than by deposit initiator. The bill also adjusts handling fees for redeemed containers, creating different rates for containers redeemed through reverse vending machines, under commingling agreements, and through other methods. Additionally, the legislation establishes more detailed audit procedures for container redemption, including specifying acceptable levels of ineligible containers and potential penalties for non-compliance. For the next three years, the bill allocates $12 million annually to support redemption centers in rural areas or environmental justice communities, particularly those handling fewer than two million containers per year. The changes aim to make the beverage container redemption system more flexible and supportive of smaller retailers and redemption centers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7722