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New York Retailers Failing to Post Mandatory Bottle-Redemption Signs, Survey Finds
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Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, November 13th 2025 at 16:18 GMT by WCAX3- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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New York Retailers Failing to Post Mandatory Bottle‑Redemption Signs, Survey Finds
A recent survey of retailers across New York State has revealed that the vast majority of stores are not complying with a key requirement of the state’s bottle‑deposit program: the display of clearly visible “Bottle‑Redemption” signage. The findings, released by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) on November 12, 2025, have prompted officials to warn that non‑compliant shops could face significant fines and increased scrutiny from the state’s enforcement agencies.
The Bottle‑Bill Context
New York’s bottle‑deposit law, often referred to as the “Bottle Bill,” was enacted in 2019 and requires a 5‑cent deposit on certain beverage containers—including beer, wine, sparkling wine, and soda. Consumers can return these containers to authorized redemption centers and receive a refund of the deposit. The program is designed to reduce litter, increase recycling rates, and protect wildlife from plastic waste.
Under the 2019 law, retailers that sell deposit‑covered beverages must post a specific sign that informs customers that they can redeem their containers at local redemption centers. The sign must be in both English and Spanish, be prominently displayed near the point of sale, and read: “Return your empty bottles and cans for a refund at any bottle‑recycling center.” The state has clarified that failure to post the sign is a violation that can result in penalties ranging from a $150 administrative fine to a $2,500 civil penalty for repeated non‑compliance.
The new survey, conducted by the DTF’s Compliance Office in partnership with the New York State Liquor Authority (NYSLA), sought to assess how well retailers are meeting that signage requirement. Retailers ranging from large supermarket chains to independent convenience stores and liquor stores were contacted via phone and email and asked whether they currently display the required sign.
Survey Results
Out of 400 retailers surveyed across the state’s five main regions—New York City, the Capital Region, the Hudson Valley, the Western District, and the Long Island Suburbs—only 62 (15.5 %) reported that they had posted the required bottle‑redemption sign. Meanwhile, 312 retailers (78 %) confirmed that they were not displaying the sign, and the remaining 26 (6.5 %) either had not received the signage or were uncertain about the requirement.
A surprising 42 % of respondents cited the COVID‑19 pandemic as a reason for their non‑compliance. Many explained that, during the initial waves of the pandemic, supply chain disruptions and store closures forced them to prioritize other operational issues, and they had not yet procured or installed the signage. Other respondents noted that they were unaware of the requirement or believed that the sign was only necessary in “large chain” stores.
“Many small, independent retailers simply did not know about this rule,” said DTF Compliance Officer Lisa Ramos in a statement. “The law is clear that all retailers—no matter the size—must post the sign. Our goal is to raise awareness and help these businesses bring themselves into compliance before the state’s enforcement mechanisms kick in.”
Why the Signage Matters
The sign’s purpose is to ensure that consumers are aware that they can redeem their beverage containers and receive a refund of the deposit. Without it, many people may leave empty bottles and cans in their cars or at home, which increases litter, reduces recycling rates, and ultimately costs the state more to clean up the environment.
According to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the bottle‑deposit program recycles over 1.4 billion beverage containers each year, saving the state approximately $6 million in landfill costs and contributing to a 30 % reduction in litter across the state. The sign also serves as a reminder of the state’s commitment to sustainability and helps to build consumer trust in the redemption process.
Enforcement and Next Steps
In response to the survey, the DTF has announced a “Compliance and Outreach Campaign” that will include:
Targeted Outreach: A state‑wide email blast and a series of webinars for retailers that will explain the signage requirement, provide templates for the required sign, and offer guidance on how to properly display it.
Compliance Checks: Random checks in high‑traffic areas such as Manhattan, Albany, and Buffalo will be carried out over the next six months. Retailers found in violation will receive a notice and a 30‑day window to correct the issue before penalties are imposed.
Penalties for Non‑Compliance: The DTF has stated that the first offense can result in a $150 administrative fine, while repeated violations may lead to a civil penalty of up to $2,500. In extreme cases—such as when a retailer repeatedly fails to remove or replace the sign—state agencies may seek to suspend the retailer’s sales license.
Educational Partnerships: The Department is partnering with the New York State Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Convenience Stores to distribute printable signage and conduct in‑store training sessions.
Resources for Retailers
The article also linked to several official resources that retailers can use to ensure compliance:
- DTF Bottle‑Deposit FAQ Page: Outlines the legal obligations and provides downloadable sign templates.
- NYSLA Compliance Guidelines: Offers step‑by‑step instructions on how to display the sign correctly.
- State DOT Recycling Map: Helps retailers locate the nearest authorized bottle‑recycling centers so they can provide accurate information to customers.
Retailers can access these materials through the “Bottle‑Deposit” section of the DTF website (https://www.tax.ny.gov/consumer/bottle_bill). The page also features a contact form for retailers who have questions about the program.
Community Impact
The Department’s own data show that when retailers properly display the redemption sign, the number of containers returned jumps by up to 20 %. For local communities, this translates to cleaner streets, healthier wildlife, and a stronger local economy that can re‑invest in recycling initiatives.
“We’re not just enforcing a law; we’re reinforcing a culture of responsibility,” Ramos added. “By making sure every retailer, big or small, is part of the solution, we’re moving closer to a cleaner, greener New York.”
Conclusion
The survey’s findings are a stark reminder that even a well‑established bottle‑deposit program can falter if its communication requirements are ignored. With a clear legal mandate and a robust enforcement plan in place, New York’s retailers now have a chance to correct course and help close the gap between legislation and practice. Failure to do so will not only result in fines but will also undermine the state’s broader environmental objectives. For the benefit of the planet and the local economy, compliance is no longer optional—it is essential.
Read the Full WCAX3 Article at:
[ https://www.wcax.com/2025/11/12/most-new-york-retailers-fail-display-required-bottle-redemption-signs-survey-finds/ ]
