It is illegal to redeem beverage containers in Oregon that were purchased or collected outside of Oregon.
What Containers Are Eligible for Redemption in Oregon?
ONLY beverage containers PURCHASED IN OREGON are eligible for redemption in Oregon.
Knowingly redeeming containers in Oregon that were purchased or collected in other states is considered fraud under Oregon law. Violators are subject to up to $250 per violation. See ORS 459A.716, ORS 459.992 and ORS 153.018.
For more information about Oregon’s Bottle Bill, please visit the OLCC.
Why does it matter where the bottle or can is purchased?
Oregon’s Bottle Bill is a deposit-return system. This means consumers pay a 10-cent deposit on each beverage they purchase in Oregon that is included in Oregon’s Bottle Bill. Those consumers are then entitled to a refund on the deposits paid when they present the empty containers at a bottle return location in Oregon. Containers purchased or collected in Washington are not eligible for a refund in Oregon. Knowingly attempting to redeem Washington containers in Oregon is against Oregon law.
But I pay a sales tax on my drinks in Washington, why can’t I get a refund on that?
Washington sales tax paid for a beverage is not the same as an Oregon deposit on a beverage. Paying a Washington sales tax does not make the beverage eligible for redemption in Oregon.
What is the penalty for knowingly redeeming out of state containers in Oregon?
Per ORS 459A.716, 459.992 and ORS 153.018, a fine of up to $250 per violation may be assessed.
How do I report someone redeeming out of state containers?
Contact the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission’s Bottle Bill Program:
503-872-5132 / 800-452-6522
OLCC.BottleBill@olcc.oregon.gov
https://www.oregon.gov/olcc/Pages/bottle_bill.aspx
Isn’t the point of a bottle bill to recycle more?
A deposit-return system such as Oregon’s Bottle Bill is designed only for beverage containers sold within the state of Oregon. Methods for recycling beverage containers are managed at the state and local level. Contact your city, county, or local waste management services to find the options available to you.
My container has the OR 10 marking on it. Doesn’t that mean it’s redeemable in Oregon?
No. Most beverage containers are marked for multiple states at the factory, regardless of where they were sold. If you purchased your beverage outside of Oregon, it is not eligible for redemption in Oregon.