Updating New York’s Bottle Bill requires action by New York’s Governor, Senate, and Assembly. Governor David Paterson has called on state lawmakers to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill (A.8044-A/S.5850-A) this year. State legislators, especially in the State Senate, need to hear from citizens between now and June 23rd, when the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn for the year.
The Assembly passed the Bigger Better Bottle Bill (A.8044-A/Sweeney) on June 11th. (Click here to see how your Assembly member voted). All eyes are now on the Senate to take action.
Contact Your State Leaders Today!
Call your State Senator and urge him/her to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill this year (S.5850-A/Marcellino). If you know your senator’s name, call the Senate switchboard at 518-455-2800 and ask to be transferred.
Call Governor Paterson at 518-474-8390 and ask him to demand that the Senate address this issue before the Legislature adjourns.
To find out who represents you in Albany, call your county Board of Elections, or visit the Board of Elections website at: http://nymap.elections.state.ny.us/nysboe/.
To get your legislator’s address, e-mail, or phone number, contact:
New York State Senate
518-455-2800 (main switchboard)
www.senate.state.ny.us
| Hon. (Legislator’s Full Name) |
| New York State Senate |
| (Room #) Legislative Office Building |
| Albany, NY 12247 |
Dear Senator______________ :|
I urge you to update New York’s Bottle Bill to make our communities cleaner and improve recycling in New York.
The Bottle Bill is New York’s most effective litter control and recycling program. However, times have changed since 1982 when the original Bottle Bill was passed, and the law needs to be updated to reflect that change. Bottled water and other non-carbonated beverages are now more visible than ever, both in our stores and in our litter. Adding a deposit would not only prevent litter, but also boost recycling. This would reduce both the volume of waste going into our landfills and the demand on energy and petroleum used to make these products.
The Bigger Better Bottle Bill would also provide much needed revenue for environmental protection by requiring beverage companies to transfer unclaimed deposits to the state. This money would boost recycling and many other environmental initiatives here in New York without costing taxpayers a dime.
(Add personal note here)
Sincerely,
Your name
Your address
Also, send a copy of your letter to the leaders of the Senate and the Assembly.
Hon. Joseph L. Bruno |
Sheldon Silver |
Other Actions
Other things you can do to help pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill:- ask your local municipality to pass a resolution in support of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill
- sign your organization or business up as an endorser of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill
- submit a letter to the editor to your local paper
- host an event in your community, such as a litter cleanup or bottle drive, and invite the local media
For more information about the BBBB campaign, contact:
Laura Haight, 518-436-0876 lhaight@nypirg.org