Korean Business Associations Come Out Against “Bottle Bill” Amendments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Contact: [email protected]

NEW YORK – Today, the Korean American Grocers Association and the Korean American Association of Greater New York have jointly voiced their opposition to proposed amendments that will only serve to further erode New York’s deposit system. These amendments would double the deposit consumers pay for their beverages and hike fees on small businesses already struggling to stay afloat, which will increase costs dramatically for New York working families.

“Expanding our redemption program without reforming the current system is putting a band-aid on a broken dam. We need to modernize our system with proven methods that will reduce plastic waste in the environment and give a boost to local businesses. We have an obligation to ensure we’re doing everything possible to improve the way we recycle in our state, and we can only do that by re-working the system,” said Kwang Min Park, President of the Korean American Grocers Association.

Both associations underscored the vital role of small businesses in providing jobs and serving their communities. Stores owned and operated by Korean Americans are significant contributors to the economic well-being of New York. The associations urge legislators to explore approaches to recycling improvements that promote sustainability while ensuring fairness and accessibility for all New Yorkers. They have signed onto the New Yorkers for Better Recycling coalition to advocate for a more effective and efficient recycling system that doesn’t increase prices and fees that harm hardworking families, local businesses and their employees.

New Yorkers for Better Recycling is a coalition of concerned residents dedicated to educating citizens, businesses and organizations about New York’s flawed collection system and how we can improve it. To learn more about the coalition and its work, visit: nybetterrecycling.com. Support provided by the American Beverage Association.

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