NEW YORK (WBNG) — Most New York retailers are not complying with a state law that requires them to post signs explaining the bottle redemption process, according to a new survey by environmental advocates.
New York’s Public Research Institute found that 80% of the 300 businesses surveyed did not have the required sign visibly displayed.
State law requires retailers to post signage wherever cans and bottles are sold, explaining how the redemption system works.
Advocates said the missing signs create barriers for people unfamiliar with New York’s bottle return system, particularly new residents and immigrants.
“If you move to this state, maybe you’re not even from this country originally. No one ever sits you down and explains how our redemption system works, right? Not everybody is familiar with it. So when you buy your soda pop, for example, and you pay those nickels for it, you don’t really ever get told what you’re paying for,” said Laurie Konwinski from Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga.
Environmental groups said proper signage is crucial for maintaining one of the state’s most effective recycling programs.
“It’s one of the most successful recycling bills on the books, and it’s in the state’s best interest and in everyone’s best interest to ensure that consumers know that they can return their bottles where they were purchased and to make redemption as easy as possible,” said Alexis Goldsmith from Beyond Plastic.
See the full report here.
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