The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said Thursday that Pepsi Bottling Group Inc. has settled a charge of improperly labeling bottles.

The result, the DEC said, was that customers who purchased Pepsi products at multiple stores across the state - including Tops Markets LLC and Wegmans - could not redeem the bottles for a refund.

Pepsi, said to have cooperated with the DEC during the investigation, agreed to pay a $65,000 fine. The money will be used for recycling education programs in schools and among the public.