New York lawmakers are considering a bill to raise the bottle deposit from 5 to 10 cents and include more beverage types. The proposal targets litter reduction and increased recycling by adding drinks like iced tea, sports drinks, wine, and liquor to the list.
Supporters say the higher deposit would boost redemption rates, which have reached 90% in other states. The change could also generate up to $100 million annually in state revenue from unreturned containers.
The state’s original deposit law, enacted in 1982, cut litter by 70%. Advocates say modernizing it is long overdue.
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