Oregon’s legislative body has enacted amendments to its pioneering bottle redemption law, in response to criticism that redemption centers have become havens for drug activity and homelessness. This transition will now permit these sites to refuse acceptance of empty beverage containers during the night hours.
The original 1971 “bottle bill” was introduced to curb littering and boost recycling rates, subsequently playing a significant role in shaping Oregon’s image as a forerunner in environmental advocacy. Besides its ecological benefits, the law has served as an economic fallback for many Oregonians, particularly those battling homelessness.
In light of current challenges posed by drugs, notably fentanyl addiction, and escalating homelessness in Oregon, the new legislative changes have been prompted to refocus the bill’s objectives. Democratic state Representative Mark Gamba, advocating for the bill on the House floor, highlighted its responsiveness to the retail sector’s concerns, aiming to maintain the redemption program’s core values while ensuring safety and balance within the system.
The legislation was overwhelmingly supported in the state House, passing with a 48-4 vote, following its successful passage in the state Senate by 28-1. However, not all lawmakers were in favor. Democratic state Representative Pam Marsh, one of the few who opposed the bill, raised concerns during committee sessions that the changes might hinder access to redemption sites for those reliant on the returns for meeting daily essentials such as food and rent.
Presently, consumers in Oregon pay a 10-cent deposit on applicable beverage containers, reclaimable upon their return to stores or redemption centers. These locations offer containers’ hand counting, counting machines, and drop-off facilities. Consumers can choose between cash redemptions or depositing their refunds into specific accounts.
As per the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, which manages the state’s bottle drop program, over a million accounts were recorded last year. The initiative has significantly contributed to environmental conservation, facilitating countless Oregon residents to meet educational and basic life needs through redemptions.
Nonetheless, concerns have arisen from both residents and business owners, particularly within Portland, regarding the adverse effects of the redemption program on local communities and businesses. Under the current regulations, stores are obligated to accept returns during operational hours, a requirement which has raised safety concerns, especially among employees at all-night convenience stores.
In a bid to address these issues, the newly passed bill grants stores the prerogative to cease acceptance of returns beyond 8 p.m. Statewide. In Portland, specifically, the implementation of alternative redemption solutions like mobile sites guided by nonprofit organizations is on the cards. These will target frequent clientele, lessening the workload on retail stores, especially those situated downtown.
Convenience stores, with access to these alternative solutions, may curtail or decline hand-counted returns, with 6 p.m. as their limit. Endorsed by various retail and community associations, including canners and waste pickers that supplement their income through container collection, the proposal reflects widespread backing.
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission reported an impressive redemption rate in 2023, with 87% of eligible containers returned. This notable achievement underscores Oregon’s leadership in waste management, facilitated by the cooperative’s stringent handling of the recycling process.