On Monday, June 16, the New York State Senate passed a bill, sponsored by Senator Charles J Fuschillo, Jr which would require “big box” stores to have reverse vending machines (RVMs) on site.
Senator Fuschillo (R, Merrick-08), Chairman of the Consumer Protection Committee, said, “Large retailer stores sell substantial amounts of beverages in bottles and cans that are recyclable under New York State deposit law. This legislation would make it more convenient for consumers to recycle the containers and help to improve overall recycling in New York State.”
Reverse vending machines are the large devices (usually at most supermarkets) that accept used beverage containers and return the five cent deposit money to the user.
Under Senator Fuschillo’s legislation (S. 7679A), the number of RVMs required in each large store would be determined by the set square footage of the retailer. Stores with 40,000 to 60,000 square feet would be required to have at least three RVMs, stores 60,000 through 85,000 in size would have to have at least four RVMs, and stores that exceed 85,000 square feet would have to maintain at least eight RVMs.
The bill has been sent to the New York State Assembly. As of June 19, the bill is awaiting consideration in the enviromental conservation committee.
