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¢
Reclamation System Retail stores and redemption centers
Unredeemed Deposits Property of state general fund (more information)
Handling Fee 2.25¢
Return Rate 70.3% in FY2009 (iii)

 

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.

Footnotes

[iii] Source: Mass. DEP, MA BOTTLE BILL RETURN RATE INFORMATION FY 1990 - FY 2009 [pdf]

Updated January 31, 2010

© 2007 - 2009 Container Recycling Institute | About Us