Glass Bottles Check Your Local Recycling Guidelines Return to Deposit Redemption Site The following beverage containers are covered under the NYS Returnable Container Act, also known as the “Bottle Bill”: Carbonated soft drinks, including sparkling water Carbonated energy drinks Carbonated juice (anything less than 100% juice, containing added sugar or water) Carbonated tea Soda water Beer and other malt beverages Mineral water (carbonated and non-carbonated) Wine products Water with no sugar, including flavored or nutritionally enhanced water Residents can return these beverage containers to local redemption sites to get their deposits back. CLICK HERE to view frequently asked questions about the Bottle Bill. Glass bottles not covered under the bottle bill should be recycled according to your local recycling guidelines. Wrap Up Broken Glass Broken glass can physically injure sanitation workers and trash haulers. Wrap up the broken glass before disposing of it. Learn how to properly dispose of broken glass. Recycle Only Your Empties Dump or rinse out any leftover food or drink before recycling empty glass containers. Sticky food or liquid residue can contaminate other recyclables. Ways to Reuse Repurpose Empty Bottles as Vases Empty glass bottles can make attractive vases for fresh or dried flowers. Did You Know? Glass Is Infinitely Recyclable Glass is one of the most recyclable items on the planet. It can be broken down and upcycled infinitely without losing strength, purity or quality. The glass containers used to hold food and beverages in particular are usually 100% recyclable. Recovered glass is recycled into other glass containers, fiberglass insulation, and decorative glass such as terrazzo tiles and landscaping (xeriscaping).