New Yorkers to Pay an Extra 5 Cents for Bottled Water

According to Earth 911: Starting Oct. 31, the New York State Government will charge a 5-cent deposit fee for all bottled water purchased in the state.

In an effort to combat its looming $3 billion deficit, the state passed its Refundable Container Act (Bottle Bill) earlier this year. The law was dubbed a “Bigger, Better Bottle Bill.”

While the law was due to take effect in June, the beverage industry filed a lawsuit, calling the bill “unconstitutional” because it excluded beverages with sugar added. This move put the law on hold until April 2010 in order to give time for manufacturers to make the necessary adjustments. . .

Nationally, Americans buy an estimated 28 billion plastic water bottles every year. An estimated eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill. Other states, such as California, Connecticut, Oregon and Delaware, have adopted bottle bills to increase recycling while supplying extra cash for state budgets.

Source: Earth 911