New York Law to Encourage Sale of Aluminum Bottles

The Aluminum Association, Arlington, Va., has announced its support of the New York State Legislature on its passage of a bill that will permit the sale of aluminum bottles in the state.

The bill, signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, reverses a little-known provision from the state’s 1982 Bottle Bill that prohibits the sale of metal beverage containers that have detachable caps. Designed to discourage the sale of cans that used detachable pull tabs, the law technically prohibited the sale of aluminum bottles with crown caps or screw caps.

Aluminum bottles have been sold in New York, as in the rest of the country, for almost a decade, as the provision’s catch-all effect went unnoticed. Representatives of MillerCoors earlier this year notified New York legislators of the 1982 bill’s unintended effect. Sen. Mark Grisanti subsequently introduced legislation to formally exempt aluminum bottles from the 1982 bill’s language with regard to detachable caps.

Steve Larkin, president of the Aluminum Association, says, “We applaud the New York State Legislature for its good sense in amending the language of the 1982 Bottle Bill. Aluminum bottles are among the most exciting and environmentally friendly beverage packages on the market today. We’re gratified that residents of the Empire State will continue to be able to enjoy their drinks from these popular containers.”

According to a news release, aluminum bottles and bottle-cans have proven popular with consumers as a result of their lightweight, quick-chilling and 100 percent recyclable characteristics. The containers have won numerous industry plaudits, including multiple “Cans of the Year” awards.