To the editor:
Bottles and cans come into our lives frequently as college students, but not enough of us take advantage of the Bottle Bill. Enacted almost 40 years ago, the Bottle Bill allows New Yorkers to redeem some empty beverage containers for 5 cents back, and yet the recycling rate in our state is only about 5-6%. The plastic and solid waste crisis isn’t going away, but we can make a dent by revamping the Bottle Bill.
If you’ve ever returned bottles, you’d notice that the machines don’t accept all recyclables. New York, as of now, only accepts carbonated soft drinks, beer and other malt beverages, mineral and soda water, and wine cooler containers. The updated Bottle Bill would allow New Yorkers to redeem carbonated soft drinks, beer and other malt beverages, mineral and soda water, and wine cooler containers. Plus, we all know that a nickel now doesn’t compare to what it was worth 40 years ago, so groups like NYPIRG are advocating for the deposit to be doubled.
Without modernizing the Bottle Bill, solid waste will continue to devour our state and not enough New Yorkers will take part in recycling programs to make a difference. The bigger, better Bottle Bill is a critical part of reducing carbon emissions, increasing recycling rates, establishing accessible redemption centers, and adding thousands of additional jobs to New York.
There is no time to lose when it comes to bettering our environment for our generation and those that follow. With the election right around the corner, our elected officials need to start talking trash and guide us out of the state’s solid waste crisis. Support modernizing the Bottle Bill by signing NYPIRG’s petition to make these necessary changes that will benefit all New Yorkers and our environment. You can also find the link through SUNY Cortland NYPIRG’s Instagram (@sunycortalndnypirg).
Take action today!
Samantha Healey
Emma Gutowski
NYPIRG at SUNY Cortland Interns