Oregon Bottle Bill Doubles Value Of Those Bottles And Cans

All those cans and bottles in the garage waiting to be brought to a redemption center? You might want to hold on to them until April 1.

On that date, the value of returns doubles - to 10 cents from five cents.

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It's the result of a law passed in 2011 that said if the state's redemption percentage drops below 80 percent for two straight years, the redemption value would double. That's what happened.

In 2015, the rate was 64.45 percent. The year before it was 68/26 percent.

It had also dropped in the two years before that.

"We want to make the transition as smooth as possible for customers, retailers, and manufacturers," says OLCC Executive Director Steve Marks. "Our goal is to provide resources for retailers so that they can help get the word out to consumers."

The following types of beverage containers size three liters or less are currently included in Oregon’s Bottle Bill:

• Water/Flavored Water
• Soda Water/Mineral Water
• Carbonated Soft Drinks
• Beer/Malt Beverages

It's the first change in the bottle bill redemption rate in Oregon since the state introduced it in 1972.

Thanks to the legislature, even if you purchased the can or bottle with a five cent deposit, return it on April 1 or later and you will get a dime back, not a nickel back. Sorry heavy metal fans.

Graphic via Oregon Liquor Control Commission