Labor and business groups make last push to kill ‘bottle bill’

Opponents argue that consumers and businesses will see increased costs

Opponents of proposed changes to New York’s “bottle bill” cite increased costs to consumers, businesses as concerns as the bill advances. Advocates pushed for the passage of legislation Monday outside the Capitol that would raise deposit fees from 5 cents to 10 cents and handling fees from 3.5 cents to 6 cents. The “bigger, better bottle bill” would also expand which beverage bottles and cans are redeemable.

By Molly Burke via Times Union
May 9, 2024

ALBANY — Proposed changes to the state’s “bottle bill” that are backed by environmentalists are facing increasing opposition from businesses and labor unions amid concerns about increased consumer costs and potential threats to jobs.

The opposition’s concerns were outlined in memos and letters, some written last month, being circulated among state lawmakers this week and as a pushback from moderates in the Assembly prompted Democrats who control that chamber to have to conference privately on the matter Wednesday.

New York Teamsters circulated a letter to legislators calling the bill a “serious threat” to the job security of employees represented by the union, including workers involved in the production, packaging and distribution of beverages.

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