Massachusetts

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
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
Unredeemed Deposits	Property of state general fund (more information)
Handling Fee	Redemption Centers - 3.25¢[b] Retailers - 2.25¢
Return Rate	Fiscal Year Data: 2017 56.8% 2016 56.1% 2015 59.0% 2014 65.6% 2013 66.3% 2012 65.8% 2011 67.8% 2010 70.8% 2009 70.3% 2008 66.2% 2007 65.8%(a)

Details

Wholesalers must file monthly reports w/Dept. of Revenue regarding deposit & refund.

The Massachusetts deposit law survived repeal by referendum effort in 1982 by a 60% to 40% vote.

[a] Source: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection E-mail Communication with Sean Sylver 3/15/17.

Updated December 23, 2018