Beware This 5 Dollar, New York State, Fee

While there is a fee for just about everything in New York State, one of them caught me off guard this week when I was shopping.

The Holidays are here, and so is the colder weather. Stores are filled with shoppers and those trying to get the things they need to fight the cold weather or to survive it. But there are some who are just trying to get some things checked off their "to-do" list.

I needed to swing in to an auto parts store to grab a quick item and that's when I was hit with the fee.

While paying for a new marine battery, there was a 5 dollar fee added to the total. I had never actually purchased a battery before and, without any research in to price, had no idea how much they actually cost and that there is a fee for them as well.

According to New York State, you GET CAN GET THE MONEY BACK if you return the old, used battery within 30 days!

"You can return your unwanted lead-acid battery for recycling to a retailer at the time you purchase a new one. The retailer will charge you a $5 "return incentive payment" if you do not return a used battery when buying a replacement. The retailer who sold you the battery will refund the $5 payment if you return a used battery within 30 days of the purchase date of the new battery".

I actually think it is one fee that makes sense. The good news is, for those who want to just dump an old battery someplace, there are laws against that as well.

"Consumers who illegally dispose of lead-acid batteries shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $50 for each violation".

There is certainly enough garbage floating around and not adding old car batteries in to the mix is very helpful.