Bottle bill expansion uncertain in Albany

ALBANY - Advocates of expanding New York's bottle deposit law continue to press lawmakers to pass the bill backed by Gov. Eliot Spitzer, even as they question the bill's chances in Albany this session.

The current bottle deposit law - which was signed into law June 15, 1982 - places a 5-cent deposit on beer, soda and wine coolers sold in New York.

The “Bigger, Better Bottle Bill” sponsored by Republican Sen. Ken LaValle would add bottled water, iced tea, sports drinks, juice and some other non-carbonated beverages.