06/01/2026
🧝♂️ The Bottle Elf has struck again.
For years, this account holder has had 24/7 access to our building because of the incredible volume they collect. This morning our security camera caught another trailer load appearing while nobody was around.
The funny part is that there's already a massive mountain from this same account waiting inside.
The less funny part is that photos like this help explain why we had to close Thursdays to the public. Processing large fundraising and community accounts has become a full-time challenge as more redemption centers disappear and their volume gets pushed onto the facilities that remain.
We are grateful for every customer and organization we serve. The demand is there. The work is there.
Unfortunately, the support from Albany still isn't.
As the legislative session enters its final days, we need your help.
📞 Today, please take two minutes to contact New York's legislative leadership and urge them to pass the redemption center lifeline bill (A6267 / S5820A), which would increase the handling fee that has been stuck at 3.5¢ since 2009. The bill was introduced specifically to stop redemption center closures and stabilize the system.
You can find contact information for Senate and Assembly leadership, the Governor, and your own legislators at:
www.nybottlebill.com/take-action
Tell them:
"Redemption centers are closing. Communities are losing access. The handling fee has been frozen since 2009. Please pass the lifeline bill A6267 / S5820A before the session ends before another 50 close by next year."
No matter where you live in New York, this affects your ability to redeem containers.
Until then, we'll continue trying to keep up with the Bottle Elf. 🏔️🥴
