| 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 |
| Date 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 |
| Handling Fee | Redemption Centers - 3.25¢[b]; retailers - 2.25¢ |
| Unredeemed Deposits | Property of state general fund (more information) |
| Redemption Rate | See below |
| Return Rate | Fiscal Year Data: 2019 - 50% 2018 - 52% 2017 - 57% 2016 - 56% 2015 - 59% 2014 - 66% 2013 - 66% 2012 - 66% 2011 - 68% 2010 - 71% 2009 - 70% 2008 - 66% 2007 - 66%(a) |
Details
Wholesalers must file monthly reports with the Department of Revenue regarding deposit & refund.
In 1982, a repeal of Massachusett's deposit law was struck down with a 60% to 40% vote.
Footnotes
[a] Source: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection E-mail Communication with Sean Sylver 3/15/17.