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Oregon Liquor Control Commission
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The Bottle Bill & Redemption Centers

Hot Topic - What's New with the Bottle Bill

About Hard Seltzer
There has been some confusion in the industry about whether “hard seltzer”, an alcoholic beverage, must be labeled with an Oregon refund value (OR 10¢).  This confusion stems from the fact that some of these beverages meet the definition of “malt beverage” while others meet the definition of “wine” based on how the beverage is fermented. 

For consistency and consumer convenience in the marketplace, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative agree that these products should be labeled with a refund value.  Until we receive clarity from the legislature on this issue, these beverages should be labeled with OR 10¢, and OBRC and retailers should redeem these beverages when returned by a consumer.
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About the Bottle Bill






  

The refund value on approved containers in Oregon is now 10-cents, regardless of what is written on the label. 

House Bill 3145 amended the Bottle Bill in 2011 to add all beverages except wine, liquor, dairy or plant-based milk, meal replacement beverages, and infant formula to the Bottle Bill beginning Jan. 1, 2018. 
 
Beer, soft drinks and water continue to be covered in containers that are 3 liters or less in size, but the new beverages are covered only if they are in bottles or cans from 4 ounces to 1.5 liters in size. Any beverage cartons, foil pouches, drink boxes, and metal cans that require a can opener are not included.

Bottle Bill Fact Sheet

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Customer Feedback Form

Please let us know if you have questions or concerns about current Bottle Bill services, including issues with returning your beverage containers to retailers or BottleDrop Redemption Centers.

Customer Feedback Form

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2018 Expansion

As of January 1, 2018, additional beverages are now included in Oregon’s Bottle Bill and have a
refund value of 10 cents per container (ORS 459A.702).

Most beverages in bottles and cans that are sold in sealed glass, metal, and plastic sizes from 4 ounces up to 1.5 liters are included. Some of the common beverages that have a 10-cent refund value are:
  • Coffee/Tea
  • Kombucha
  • Energy and Sports Drinks
  • Hard Cider
  • Juice
Expanded list of included beverages - English
Expanded list of included beverages - Spanish
Expanded list of included beverages - Korean

Soda, Beer, and Water continue to be included (3 liters or less in size).
 
 
 
NOT Included:
Beverages that are NOT included: 
  • Wine/Distilled Spirits
  • Milk (dairy and plant-based)
  • Infant Formula
  • Meal-Replacement Drinks
Expanded list of beverages NOT included -English
Expanded list of beverages NOT included - Spanish
Expanded list of beverages NOT included - Korean

The refund value on all beverages included in Oregon’s Bottle Bill is 10 cents regardless of what is written on the label. Manufacturers have until January 1, 2019 to include the 10-cent refund value on containers for the new beverages.
 
2018 Expansion Overview Fact Sheet 

2018 Expansion FAQs
 
2018 Expansion Poster

 
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Bottle Bill FAQs

Bottle Bill FAQs

2018 Expansion FAQs

Do you have additional questions? Email OLCC.BottleBill@oregon.gov

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Bottle Bill Checklist for License Applicants and Licensees

Bottle Bill Checklist


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Bottle Bill Inquiries for Retailers and Businesses

Retailers in Oregon who sell or offer for sale beverages included in the Bottle Bill must in most cases accept container returns. Use this form to provide information on your business so OLCC staff can determine if you must accept container returns, and if you must how many and what types. Staff will email you the sign appropriate for your business, along with other information for helping you to be in compliance with Oregon’s Bottle Bill.

Bottle Bill Inquiries for Retailers and Businesses

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Redemption Center Information

Redemption Centers

Applications Received & Public Notices 

There are currently no Public Notices or Applications for Redemption Centers.
 
 
 
 
 
Redemption Center Application Form
To request approval as a Beverage Container Redemption Center, please complete the Redemption Center Application.   
 
Mail the completed form and attachments to: OLCC, 9079 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Portland, OR 97222.   

 

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Beverage Container Return Data

In 2012, the Legislative Assembly passed Senate Bill 1508, which would allow two or more beverage distributors to establish a cooperative and require cooperatives, distributors and importers to report information on bottle returns to OLCC.

ORS 459A.718(6)(a) states that by August 1 of each calendar year, the OLCC shall calculate the previous calendar year’s percentage of beverage containers returned for the refund value for each distributor cooperative and for each distributor/importer that does not participate in a distributor cooperative. The OLCC shall carry out the calculation separately for glass, metal, and plastic containers and shall post the percentages on the website.

 

Request for Annual Data from Distributors - Letter and Report Form

2018 Beverage Container Return Data

2017 Beverage Container Return Data

2016 Beverage Container Return Data

2015 Beverage Container Return Data

2014 Beverage Container Return Data

2013 Beverage Container Return Data

2012 Beverage Container Return Data

 



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For information on the environmental impacts of the Bottle Bill.
DEQ (Oregon Department of Environmental Quality)

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Subscribe for Bottle Bill Updates

Subscribe to OLCC's email alerts to receive updates on Oregon's Bottle Bill.  Click the envelope below to subscribe! 
 
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For more information

Becky Voelkel, OLCC Bottle Bill Program
503-872-5132 
Toll free: 800-452-6522 (ext. 25132)
OLCC.BottleBill@oregon.gov


 


 

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