Bottle Bills Explained
Bottle bills, also known as container deposit laws, are state-level programs designed to encourage recycling by placing a small refundable deposit on beverage containers. Consumers pay a deposit at the time of purchase, which they can reclaim by returning the empty container to a designated redemption center or retailer. This system incentivizes recycling, reduces litter, and promotes a circular economy by ensuring bottles and cans are properly reused or recycled.
The Impact of Bottle Bills
Bottle bills have been highly effective in increasing recycling rates and reducing waste. States with these bottle return laws see over 70% more recycling of beverage containers than non-bottle bill states. In fact, beverage containers make up 40-60% of litter in states that do not have bottle bills. Bottle deposits reduce beverage litter significantly, resulting in cleaner public spaces and a reduction in environmental pollution. By incentivizing the return of used containers, these programs also support jobs in recycling and waste management industries.
Why Bottle Bills Matter
With plastic pollution and landfill waste continuing to be major environmental challenges, bottle bills provide a practical and effective solution. They help conserve natural resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and support sustainability efforts. By ensuring that bottles and cans are recycled rather than discarded, bottle bills contribute to a more sustainable waste management system.
10 Bottle Bill States and How They Work
Only 10 states currently have bottle bill programs, each with their own deposit values. Eligible container types and redemption processes such as curbside collection versus deposit centers vary across the U.S. Take a look at the list below to learn how bottle collection programs work in each state.
California
California has the most bottle drop centers of all the bottle bill states, over 1300 statewide. The Golden State is responsible for the collection of nearly 500 billion beverage containers by offering two return rate options. In California, participants can get 5 cents for containers under 24 ounces and 10 cents for larger ones. Consumers can return containers to redemption centers and can also locate in-store retailers.
Connecticut
Connecticut places a 10 cent deposit on eligible glass, plastic, and metal beverage containers. Containers must be returned to retailers or redemption centers for reimbursement.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s HI-5 program applies a 5-cent deposit to most beverage containers. Redemption centers across the state allow consumers to return their bottles and cans for cash refunds.
Iowa
Iowa’s bottle bill applies a 5 cent deposit to carbonated and alcoholic beverage containers. Consumers can return empty bottles and cans to retailers or redemption centers.
Maine
Maine has one of the most comprehensive bottle bills, covering a wide range of beverage containers. Deposits range from 5 to 15 cents depending on the container type. Consumers can return containers to redemption centers for refunds.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has a 5 cent deposit on carbonated beverage and beer containers. Redemption is available at participating retailers and redemption centers.
Michigan
Michigan alone has seen an 84% reduction in beverage litter, making it the state with the highest redemption rate. Earning 10 cents per container, consumers are strongly incentivized to return their bottles and cans to reclaim their deposits. The Wolverine State even offers recycling support through a Recycling Raccoon Squad! Their team of experts offer community wide resources, including guidance specific to glass recycling.
New York
New York’s Returnable Container Act places a 5 cent deposit on eligible beverage containers, including soda, beer, and water bottles. Containers can be returned at designated redemption locations.
Oregon
Oregon was the first state to implement a bottle bill in 1971. The deposit is currently 10 cents per container, and the state has a robust redemption system with bottle drop locations and retailer take-backs.
Vermont
Vermont’s deposit system applies a 5 cent charge to most beverage containers, while liquor bottles carry a 15 cent deposit. Consumers can return containers at designated locations to receive their refunds.
