NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced Jan. 19 that North Bergen Beverage of New Jersey will pay $550,000 for allegations of violating New York’s Returnable Container Act, otherwise known as the Bottle Bill.
“New York’s Bottle Bill is a hallmark environmental law – reducing litter, promoting recycling, and generating millions of dollars that benefit New Yorkers’ health and environment each year,” Schneiderman said in a statement. “As we allege, North Bergen Beverage persistently, repeatedly and knowingly broke the law. This largest-ever penalty and three-year suspension sends a clear message to all beverage distributors that if you do business in New York and break the Bottle Bill law, my office will hold you accountable.”
Of the $550,000, $500,000 will go toward civil penalties and $50,000 will go to the state for attorney fees and other costs of handling the case. In addition to the monetary penalty, North Bergen Beverage must suspend all New York sales of products the Bottle Bill covers.
“Companies have a legal and ethical responsibility to comply with the state’s environmental laws,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “This case serves as a strong reminder that New York will continue its strong record of environmental protection and enforce the laws against any deceptive practice that takes advantage of consumers and puts the environment at risk.”