ICYMI: Oregon Bottle Bill Takes Effect Saturday, April 1

PORTLAND, OR – If you planned for spring cleaning this week, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission has a reason for you to wait until this weekend before turning in any bottles or cans you’ve collected.

Oregon’s Bottle Bill will increase the redemption value of eligible beverage containers Saturday, OLCC officials said.

Regardless of what may be written on the container itself, the value of recycled water, soda, and beer containers –– three liters or less –– will increase from 5 cents to 10 cents April 1.

Eligible containers include:

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

The bill expands Jan. 1, 2018, to include tea, coffee, hard cider, fruit juice, kombucha, and coconut water containers as well.

The increase followed a state-required assessment of beverage container sales compared to the rate of return for those same containers. OLCC found that in 2014 and 2015, beverage containers were returned at rates of 68 percent and 64 percent, respectively. Because both years fell below the 80 percent benchmark, Oregon law required the bottle redemption rate be increased.

Photo Courtesy: Oregon Liquor Control Commission