| 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 |
| Regulations | Massachusetts General Laws, Part I, Title XV, Chapter 94, Sections 321-327 |
| 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 | 100% goes to the Commonwealth's General Fund |
| Return Rate |
Overall Rate (Calendar Year)[1]: 2022: 38% |
| % of All Beverages Sold That Are Covered By Deposit | 40% [2] |
Details
Wholesalers must file monthly reports with the Department of Revenue regarding deposits & refunds. [3]
In 1982, a repeal of Massachusetts' deposit law was struck down with a 60% to 40% vote.
Footnotes
[1] Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection E-mail Communication with Sean Sylver. April 27, 2023.
[2] "2019 Beverage Market Data Analysis." Container Recycling Institute. 2022.
[3] Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Last Updated on May 15, 2023.