Bottle and can redemption at retailers resumes in 2 phases

Following a three-month suspension to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Attorney General’s Office have resumed enforcement of bottle and can redemption using a two-phased process.

Enforcement of redemption requirements at retailers (such as grocery stores) using machines began on June 5, while enforcement at retailers accepting containers over-the-counter will go into effect on June 19.

The plan to resume enforcement includes protocols and requirements to ensure the safety of retail employees and the public. The rules laid out by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development’s Guidance Regarding the Operation of Essential Services include the following:
• Customers and employees must wear a face covering.
• Signage must be posted to remind customers to practice social distancing.
• Six-foot spacing must be clearly marked with lines on the floor.
• Bottle room occupancy must be limited.
• Machines must be disinfected before proceeding to empty them.

The DEP encourages customers to check the operating status of redemption locations before bringing containers. Customers may be limited to redeeming no more than 120 deposit containers at a single retailer location at one time. Customers with higher volume are encouraged to use a redemption center with greater capacity. (See an online directory of redemption centers.)

The DEP has a Bottle Bill Hotline at 617-556-1054 to answer questions.