Reverse Vending Machine Update

I receive multiple calls from the public asking about or complaining about those machines at grocery stores that collect ourbottles and cans. The larger stores have them as a way to minimize the labor associated with the redemption of deposit containers as well as a means to keep the contaminants out of the store itself. In theory, this is sound. In practice however, the public is loud and clear about their distain for the machines that breakdown frequently, are filthy, inaccuate, and over busy. And things are only going to get worse.

These machines are known as Reverse Vending Machines and there is no sign of getting away from them. They are all over the world and are the preferred method of collection by state-run and privately held recycling programs nationwide. When they malfunction or cannot read a barcode this does NOT absolve them from taking containers back. They are still required by law to accept clean, identifiable containers that are sold in their store.

Coming up on January 1, 2009 water bottles will be added to the list of containers requireing a deposit to be redeemed upon return to the store. This will be a boon to recycling efforts considering that the current rate of water bottle recycling is in the low 20% range while soda containers are in the high 80% range. The nickle deposit has proven a great incentive for the diversion of this material from the landfill. With the inclusion of water bottles, the lines look to become a bit longer.

But have no fear, I do have some tips for you when dealing with returning containers for deposit.
· Do not wait too long before returning containers. Shorter trips make for better experiences.
· Return your containers to the store you bought them at to lessen the load on the handfull of stores with machines.
· Do not crush your containers.
· Do not fill them with cigarettes or chew.
· All stores selling deposit container MUST take them back (with conditions).
· To avoid returning them all together, donate them to a local youth group.

If a store tries to deny you the ablility to return containers under the rules set forth by the Oregon Bottle Bill, contact the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) to register a complaint. They are the enforcement arm of the bill. You can contact Jan Smith with the OLCC at 1-800-452-6522 to file a complaint.

Don’t forget that together we can reduce our waste and “Trash Douglas County Less!”

For more information on reducing your waste, call on me or visit us online at http://www.recyclepower.org/ and to see this blog in print, pick up your current copy of the Douglas County News!