Sofia Martinez
The Oregon Bottle Bill, enacted in 1971, mandates a minimum refund value for certain beverages in applicable sizes sold in glass, plastic, or metal containers. The refund value was initially 5 cents but increased to 10 cents in 2017. This includes bottled fruit and vegetable juices, aloe vera juice, and juice smoothies, but there are exceptions for lemon and lime juices. The bill aims to reduce litter and encourage recycling, with redemption rates as high as 94% in the past.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Container deposit legislation | 10 cents |
| Container material | Metal, glass, plastic |
| Container size | 4 oz to 1.5 liters |
| Beverage type | Fruit juice, coconut water, tea, coffee, hard cider, kombucha, etc. |
| Beverage type excluded | Lemon and lime juice, distilled liquor, wine, dairy or plant-based milk, infant formula, meal replacement beverages |
| Container return methods | BottleDrop redemption centers, curbside recycling bins, schools and nonprofits |
| Container return limit | 50 containers per person per day for small stores, 350 containers per person per day for BottleDrop redemption centers |
| Container return rate | 85.5% (statewide in 2022) |
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What You'll Learn
- The Oregon Bottle Bill was enacted in 1971 and went into effect in 1972
- The refund value was initially 5 cents but increased to 10 cents in 2017
- Most beverages in plastic containers from 4 oz to 1.5 L are subject to a 10-cent refund
- Exceptions include distilled liquor, wine, dairy or plant-based milk, infant formula, and meal replacement drinks
- The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative collects returned containers from retailers and BottleDrop centres
The Oregon Bottle Bill was enacted in 1971 and went into effect in 1972
The Oregon Bottle Bill is a container-deposit legislation enacted in the U.S. state of Oregon in 1971 and went into effect in October 1972. It was the first legislation of its kind in the United States. The bill was created to address a growing litter problem in Oregon, with bottles making up about 40% of litter in 1971. The law was relatively unchanged until 2009 when bottled water was added to the system.
The bill requires applicable beverages in applicable sizes in glass, plastic, or metal cans or bottles sold in Oregon to be returnable with a minimum refund value. The refund value was initially set at 5 cents until April 1, 2017, when it increased to 10 cents. This increase was due to the redemption rate staying below 80% for two consecutive years.
In 2018, the law was expanded further to include all beverage containers except distilled liquor, wine, dairy or dairy alternatives, and infant formula. Water, beer, and carbonated soft drinks continue to require a deposit, and most other beverages were added, including tea, coffee, hard cider, fruit juice, and coconut water.
The Oregon Bottle Bill has been amended several times since its enactment to include more types of containers and beverages and to increase the refund value. The bill has also prompted several other green initiatives in Oregon and has helped to reduce litter in the state significantly.
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The refund value was initially 5 cents but increased to 10 cents in 2017
The Oregon Bottle Bill is a container-deposit legislation enacted in the US state of Oregon in 1971. It came into effect in October 1972 and was the first such legislation in the United States. The bill requires that beverages in glass, plastic, or metal cans or bottles sold in Oregon be returnable with a minimum refund value. The refund value was initially 5 cents until April 1, 2017, when it increased to 10 cents.
The bill has been amended several times since its inception. In 2007, Senate Bill 707 was signed into law, adding water bottles to the refund law. This law went into effect on January 1, 2009. In 2011, the bill was amended again. Starting in the early 2010s, the OLCC approved redemption centers run by distributors, with 16 of them in operation by April 2017.
The refund value increased from 5 cents to 10 cents in 2017 due to the redemption rate staying below 80% for two consecutive years (68.26% in 2014 and 64.45% in 2015). As of 2018, most beverages in bottles or cans sold in sealed glass, metal, and plastic in sizes from 4 ounces up to and including 1.5 liters are redeemable. This includes tea, coffee, hard cider, fruit juice, coconut water, beer, soda, water bottles, and more. There are some exceptions, such as distilled liquor, wine, dairy or plant-based milk, infant formula, and meal replacement beverages.
The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) collects returned containers from retailers and BottleDrop centers across Oregon. The containers are then sorted, counted, crushed, and baled. The materials are sold by the OBRC, and the proceeds are given to beverage distributors.
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Most beverages in plastic containers from 4 oz to 1.5 L are subject to a 10-cent refund
The Oregon Bottle Bill, passed in 1971, mandates a minimum refund value for applicable beverages in applicable sizes in glass, plastic, or metal cans or bottles sold in Oregon. The refund value was initially 5 cents until April 1, 2017, when it increased to 10 cents.
However, there are some exceptions to the refund policy. Beverages that are not eligible for the refund include distilled liquor, wine, dairy or plant-based milk, infant formula, meal replacement drinks, and juice in a 6-oz juice box. Additionally, beverages in cartons, foil pouches, drink boxes, and metal containers that require a tool to be opened are exempt from the refund, even if they meet the size requirements.
Oregon's Bottle Bill has been successful in reducing litter and encouraging recycling. The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) collects returned containers from retailers and BottleDrop centers across Oregon, ensuring that materials are properly recycled and that unclaimed deposits are returned to beverage distributors.
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Exceptions include distilled liquor, wine, dairy or plant-based milk, infant formula, and meal replacement drinks
The Oregon Bottle Bill, enacted in 1971, is a container-deposit legislation that requires applicable beverages in applicable sizes in glass, plastic, or metal cans or bottles sold in Oregon to be returnable with a minimum refund value. The refund value was initially 5 cents until April 1, 2017, when it increased to 10 cents.
The bill was created to address a growing litter problem in Oregon and has since prompted several other green initiatives. Over the years, the bill has been amended several times to include more types of containers and beverages. As of January 1, 2018, all beverage containers except distilled liquor, wine, dairy or plant-based milk, infant formula, and meal replacement drinks include a deposit.
Distilled liquor, including spirits like vodka, gin, and whiskey, is exempt from the Oregon Bottle Bill. Wine, including mead and hard cider over 8.5% ABV, is also not subject to the deposit law. This exemption also extends to wine in metal cans, which will become redeemable starting on July 1, 2025.
Dairy or plant-based milk alternatives are another exception to the bill. This includes products such as kefir, drinkable yogurt, milk-based smoothies, and milk or plant-based milk with other added ingredients. Infant formula, which is often based on milk, is also exempt from the deposit requirements.
Additionally, meal replacement drinks, such as Ensure and Boost, are exempt from the Oregon Bottle Bill and do not have a refund value. These drinks are typically consumed as a substitute for a solid meal and are designed to provide a balanced mix of nutrients.
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The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative collects returned containers from retailers and BottleDrop centres
In Oregon, plastic juice containers do have a 10-cent deposit. The Oregon Bottle Bill, enacted in 1971 and in effect since 1972, is a container-deposit legislation that requires applicable beverages in glass, plastic, or metal cans or bottles to be returnable with a minimum refund value. The refund value was initially 5 cents but increased to 10 cents in 2017.
The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) is a key player in the state's recycling efforts. It is a private cooperative owned by retailers and beverage distributors, and it plays a crucial role in administering the collection and transportation of returned containers. The OBRC operates through the BottleDrop network, providing convenient ways for individuals to return their empty beverage containers and receive refunds.
The BottleDrop program offers multiple options for returning containers and claiming refunds. One method is through self-serve machines and hand counts at 27 full-service Redemption Centers across Oregon. Individuals can bring their empty containers and receive their cash refund on the spot. Another option is the Green Bag Program, where people can fill designated bags with empty containers and drop them off at a Redemption Center or participating retailer with a bag drop-off option.
The OBRC serves as the not-for-profit operator of Oregon's Bottle Bill, facilitating the recycling of nearly two billion beverage containers annually. They distribute the revenue from selling recyclable materials to their cooperative members, with the disbursement amount based on the proportion of containers and materials returned. This system not only encourages recycling but also helps keep Oregon's public spaces litter-free and protects the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, bottled juice containers made of plastic are subject to a 10 cent deposit in Oregon.
The Oregon Bottle Bill is a container-deposit legislation enacted in the state of Oregon in 1971. It requires that beverage containers in applicable sizes and materials be returnable with a minimum refund value.
The refund value for containers in Oregon is 10 cents. This applies to covered beverages in cans or bottles made from metal, glass or plastic.
Beverages that are not covered by the Oregon Bottle Bill include distilled liquor, wine, dairy or plant-based milk, infant formula, and meal replacement drinks.
You can return your containers to a BottleDrop redemption center or a participating retailer. There are currently 16 BottleDrop centers across Oregon, with plans to open more. Large retailers over 5,000 square feet must accept at least 144 bottles or cans per person per day.
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