1) If you have mostly cans, take them to a Fred Meyer store. They have the CanDo which is a bulk feed machine. They also have the OneStops which will take back all three materials in one machine.

2) All stores (over 5000 sq. ft.) are allowed to limit the number of returns per person per day to 144. This is to limit fraud mostly. So it is better to do your redemption every week or at least once a month. Although some stores will allow thier customers to redeem more. It depends on the customer service philosophy of the store.

3) If you live around Portland or any of the metro areas, there are sometimes homeless guys or retirees that wait around the machine hoping that you will leave the cans for them to process. Many of my friends do this as a way of helping out rather than handing them money directly.

4) If you want to curbside recycle, that’s fine. But understand that those deposits that you are forfieting are being kept by the beer and soda manufacturers. They use the unclaimed deposits to fund the cost of picking up and processing the containers. Just so you know that you are basically donating your money to corporations. In light of that, maybe you can check with your local schools and see if they ever have a can drive. The can drives are very lucrative fund raisers.

5) After Jan 1, 2009, your wish will be granted. The law will take effect that all water bottles will also have a 5 cent deposit. As well, each store will have to take back all brands, regardless of whether or not they sell it. So if you buy Kirkland soda at Costco, you can take it back to your local Safeway. This was a major problem for consumers, who didn’t remember where they got thier micro-brew from. Now, it doesn’t matter. As long as the store you return it to sells beer, they have to accept any brand of beer.

Oregon was the first state in the country to pass The Bottle Bill. Now 10 other states have followed suit, and there is a law pending to pass a national bottle bill. Although I have very little hope for that because the Grocers and the Beverage Manufacturers spend tons of money to make sure that never happens. I really encourage you to learn more at http://www.bottlebill.org. Or feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Thanks for recycling! It’s a great thing!