TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  -- Gov. Jon S. Corzine says he favors ``the concept'' of making New Jerseyans pay a deposit when they buy beverages in bottles and cans.

Assembly lawmakers are discussing a 10-cent deposit on bottles and cans less than 24 ounces and 20 cents for larger ones.

The bill would apply to juice, sport drinks, water, soda, wine and beer containers.

Consumers would get the money back by returning the container for recycling.

The bill is meant to boost recycling and combat litter. Corzine says he hasn't reviewed it but backs improving recycling habits.

Critics say the law would be a hassle.

But Corzine rejected claims that the deposit would equate to a tax, saying, ``If you do a good job of recycling, it isn't.''