The term refers generally to legislation, either that is proposed or enacted, and that requires a returnable deposit on beer, soda or other containers and provides for retail store redemption centers. Such legislation is designed to discourage use of throw away containers, and are also called deposit-refund or deposit-return schemes.

One of the earliest forms of such schemes, for soda water bottles, took place in Dublin, in 1799, and there are various forms of bottle bills in many countries, states and cities, with many variations for which containers are covered by the bills.  Many such schemes are widely successful in complementing curbside recycling; reducing container litter along highways, lakes and rivers; and providing a source of supplemental income .

The bottle bill for the state of New York has been actively enforced over decades and is currently undergoing proposed expansion.

Some further ideas to explore on bottle bills

What containers are covered by the bottle bill in your city or state?

What other containers should be covered by a bottle bill in your city or state?

How could the bottle bill in your city or state be improved?

Sources: 

“Container-deposit legislation,” Wikipedia

Johan Sheridan, “Earth Day report: New York’s Bigger, better bottle bill, New York News (22 April 2025)

Judith Enck, “To avoid a plastic future, New York must update the Bottle Bill: Opinion,” lohud bit.ly/4dePrUd

Support NY’s Bigger Better Bottle Bill, Beyond Plastics  https://bit.ly/3GuxQeo