Reverse Vending Machines

In 2008, the New York State Legislature passed legislation requiring stores that sell beverages in disposable containers to install reverse vending machines to allow for automated recycling.  The legislation, while good in its intention, created an undue burden for many small businesses and retailers who do not devote a majority of their storefront to returnable bottles.

This past week, the New York State Senate came one step closer to correcting the oversight by passing out of committee and advancing to third reading Senate Bill S20877A.  This bill would amend the environmental conservation law in relation to the number of reverse vending machines required for mandatory acceptance of empty beverage containers.

Specifically, the bill decreased the amount of machines that a store would need to install based on their square footage.  For example, a business with at least 40,000 but less than 60,000 square feet would be required to install only two machines instead of the current three.  The legislation also clarifies that square footage would be based on the area of merchandise display for the public and not the buildings entire square footage.  In addition, any establishment that devotes less than 5% of its floor space to the display and sale of consumer commodities would be exempt from the law.

While the Amherst Chamber of Commerce knows that this legislation is unique and only affects a small percentage of our membership, it is none-the-less important to the business community.  The Amherst Chamber of Commerce will continue to speak out against the implementation of all taxes and fees that would directly impact small and mid-sized businesses.