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New York State Returnable Container Act

What is the Act?

bottle refund machines

New York's Returnable Container Act requires at least a 5 cent deposit on carbonated soft drinks, beer and other malt beverages, mineral water, soda water, and wine cooler containers. Although commonly called the Bottle Bill, the Act includes more than bottles: A deposit is required on glass, metal and plastic containers that hold one gallon or less. To encourage reuse and recycling, both refillable and nonrefillable containers carry a deposit.

How effective is the Act?

Since the Act went into effect, redemption rates have been 70-80 percent and litter has been reduced by 75 percent.

How does it work?

The consumer pays a deposit when purchasing beverages and gets a deposit back when returning containers. Containers must have a New York refund label to be redeemed.

What about returns?

A consumer can return empty containers to any store or vendor that sells the same type of container. Under the Returnable Container Act, type of container means brand, size, shape, color and composition of the container. For example, if a store carries only the 16 oz. container of Brand X, it does not have to redeem other sizes of that brand or containers from other brands that it doesn't carry.

When can a store reject returns?

A store may refuse to return a deposit if:

  • The store does not carry that type of container.
  • The container does not have a proper New York refund label.
  • The container is not in reasonably good condition. A store may reject broken bottles or cans that are corroded or crushed.
  • The container has anything in it besides small amounts of dirt, dust or moisture.

Can a store limit returns?

A store may limit a person to redeeming 240 containers at one time and in one day. However, the law says that a consumer may make 48-hour advance arrangements to redeem an unlimited number of empty beverage containers. Stores that are not open 24 hours a day do not have to accept containers during the first and last half hour of their business day.

What if a store doesn't comply with the RCA?

Enforcement of the RCA is done by the Department's Division of Law Enforcement. To file a complaint you can contact the Regional Division of Law Enforcement Office for your county and request a complaint form.

Help make it work for you!

  • Bring your containers back often
  • Make sure they are clean and empty
  • Containers must be labeled with a NY refund label

Don't trash 'em, ... cash 'em!

The Returnable Container Act has helped

  • reduce trash
  • save landfill space
  • keep parks and roadsides clean
  • conserve energy
  • recycle glass, plastic and aluminum

A small deposit pays big dividends in conservation of energy and valuable resources.