Massachusetts

Name	Beverage Container Recovery Law
Purpose	To provide an economic incentive for consumers to return used beverage containers and encourage conservation of materials and energy through recycling and reuse
Enacted	Legislative override of governor's veto, 6/4/81
Implemented	1/1/1983
Beverages Covered	Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, & mineral water
Containers Covered	Any sealable bottle, can, jar, or carton of glass, metal, plastic, or combo. Excludes biodegradables.
Amount of Deposit	5¢
Redemption Rate	overall 68.6% (iii)
Reclamation System	Retail stores and redemption centers
Unredeemed Deposits	Property of state general fund (more information)
Handling Fee	2.25¢

Details

Wholesalers must file monthly reports w/Dept. of Revenue regarding deposit & refund.

The Massachusetts deposit law survived repeal by referendum effort in 1982 by a 60% to 40% vote.

[iii] Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, MA Bottle Bill Return Rates Chart (Jan.-Sept., 2004).

Updated June 15, 2008