A significant legislative change is on the horizon for Oregonians who return beverage containers as Senate Bill 992 makes its way to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk.
This bill is poised to reshape the rules for can and bottle redemption, particularly affecting residents in the Portland area.
Historically, grocery stores in Portland have struggled under the burden of providing space and staff for bottle return services, mandated by the longstanding Bottle Bill of 1971.
Senate Bill 992 introduces measures that could make it more challenging to redeem cans and bottles at these stores.
Under the new legislation, some grocery stores may opt out of accepting any beverage containers altogether, while others will only be permitted to accept pre-bundled bags containing them, which will be counted offsite.
The bill’s supporters hope to encourage more residents to utilize the existing system of bundling containers in specified green or blue bags that can be dropped off for redemption.
The legislation also seeks to address the needs of “canners”—individuals who collect beverage containers on a daily basis.
These canners typically prefer immediate payment, a feature unavailable under the current green-bag system.
In response, the bill aims to guide canners toward alternative redemption facilities or propose a mobile redemption site that would service various locations in the city on specified days of the week.
State Senator Janeen Sollman, a key proponent of the bill, articulated on behalf of the legislation’s goals in a recent committee meeting.
She emphasized the need to update Oregon’s iconic Bottle Bill for modern times, declaring it a critical component of the state’s environmental efforts since its inception over five decades ago.
“By acting now, the state can create a more streamlined and effective process that benefits both the environment and the economy,” Sollman remarked.
The bill outlines several pivotal changes that Oregonians should be aware of if it is signed into law.
One of the standout provisions allows grocery stores in Portland to fully cease can-and-bottle redemption practices if they are within proximity to an “alternative” redemption site.
In doing so, these stores must also contribute financially to support the operation of the alternative redemption site, which is currently situated in inner Portland, near The People’s Depot under the Morrison Bridge.
Should the site find a permanent location, the services could adjust accordingly.
Additionally, grocery stores that continue to accept returns may stop hand-counting individual containers, being permitted to only accept pre-bundled cans and bottles in designated green or blue bags.
These bags feature a QR code for identification and provide credit to users’ accounts within a matter of hours or days.
The funds earned from returning green bags will go directly to individual Oregonians, while the proceeds from blue bags are designated for charities.
Moreover, all grocery stores across Oregon will experience a reduction in operational hours for acceptances.
Under the new rules, these establishments will only be required to accept cans and bottles from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., in contrast to the previous mandate to accept returns every hour they are open.
Convenience stores located near inner Portland will see their maximum return limits drop from 50 containers to just 24 and can also restrict their hours to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Frequently, these 24-hour operations have accepted returns around the clock.
Furthermore, convenience stores throughout Oregon will see similar reductions in operating hours, limited to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This new legislation aims to address neighbor concerns regarding the establishment of full-service redemption centers, exemplified by the BottleDrops located in Northeast and North Portland.
The bill necessitates public input before the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission can approve new BottleDrop locations statewide.
In addition, state senators and representatives will need to be alerted to any plans for opening full-service redemption centers within their districts.
The legislation also clarifies that these full-service locations can only be placed in industrial zones, which are distanced from residential areas and retail establishments, yet still remain conveniently accessible.
“I would like to see it go in a site where it’s welcomed by the neighbors, where there’s easy access by car, foot, and bus,” commented Rep. Travis Nelson, who contributed to drafting this part of the bill.
The implications of Senate Bill 992 extend beyond just Portland, allowing more grocery stores statewide to opt out of accepting beverage containers if located within a few miles of full-service BottleDrops.
The bill famously passed the Senate with a 28-1 vote in April and subsequently garnered a 48-4 approval from the House.
As of now, the governor’s office has refrained from indicating whether Kotek will sign the bill into law.
Depending on the governor’s decision, various provisions outlined in the bill will take effect immediately, while others will not become enforceable until 2026.
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