Empty beer bottles and cans may be worth more than their scrap or recycling value when they qualify for a state bottle-deposit program. However, not every container is eligible for a refund, and a deposit paid in one state may not be refundable in another. This guide compares beer-container refund rates across the 10 U.S. states with bottle bills and explains how to check eligibility, find return locations, and avoid wasted trips.
Quick answer: Eligible beer bottles and cans generally receive a refund of 5 cents or 10 cents per container, depending on the state. California uses a size-based refund, while Connecticut, Michigan, and Oregon generally provide 10 cents for qualifying beer containers. Six other states generally provide 5 cents, while California pays either 5 cents or 10 cents depending on container size. Returning your own containers usually recovers the deposit you already paid rather than creating new income.
State refund rates and eligibility information checked October 29, 2026. Confirm the current rules with your state’s official program before making a return.
Last reviewed: October 28, 2026
Beer Bottle Deposit Refunds by State
Ten U.S. states have beverage-container deposit laws, commonly called bottle bills. These programs allow consumers to recover a refundable deposit by returning eligible beverage containers. The amount, covered beverages, container requirements, and return procedures vary by state.
The following table summarizes the standard refund values for eligible beer bottles and cans. Use the official state links to confirm the requirements that apply to your containers.
| State | Typical beer-container refund | Important details |
|---|---|---|
| California | 5 cents or 10 cents | Eligible containers under 24 ounces generally receive 5 cents; containers 24 ounces or larger generally receive 10 cents. Check CalRecycle’s beverage-container program for eligible materials and redemption rules. |
| Connecticut | 10 cents | Covered beer and malt-beverage containers generally qualify. The refund increased from 5 cents to 10 cents on January 1, 2024. See the Connecticut Bottle Bill for current requirements and redemption-center information. |
| Hawaii | 5 cents | The HI-5 program refunds 5 cents for each eligible, properly labeled beverage container. A separate nonrefundable container fee may also apply. Read Hawaii’s official HI-5 consumer guide. |
| Iowa | 5 cents | Iowa’s Bottle Bill covers carbonated and alcoholic beverages, including qualifying beer containers. Consult the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for current redemption requirements and approved return locations. |
| Maine | 5 cents for beer | Beer containers generally carry a 5-cent refundable deposit. Maine applies a different 15-cent deposit to covered wine and spirits containers. See the Maine Bottle Bill program. |
| Massachusetts | 5 cents | The Bottle Bill covers specified beverage containers, including beer and malt beverages. Retailers and redemption centers have rules for accepting returns and processing refunds. See Massachusetts bottle and can recycling guidance. |
| Michigan | 10 cents | Covered beer containers generally qualify for a 10-cent refund. Retailers must accept qualifying containers of the brands, sizes, and types they sell, subject to the law’s requirements. Required returns are subject to a $25 daily refund limit per person per retailer, although a retailer may accept more. See the Michigan Bottle Deposit Law guidance. |
| New York | 5 cents | Beer and other covered malt beverages qualify when containers meet the state’s requirements, including the appropriate New York deposit marking. The deposit must have been paid in New York. See the New York bottle and can return guide. |
| Oregon | 10 cents | Covered beer and malt beverages generally qualify when packaged in sealed glass, metal, or plastic bottles or cans of 3 liters or less. See Oregon’s redeemable beverage list. |
| Vermont | 5 cents for beer | Qualifying beer containers generally carry a 5-cent deposit. Under changes effective July 1, 2026, covered containers include qualifying bottles, cans, and jars made of glass, metal, PET plastic (#1), or HDPE plastic (#2), subject to the law’s requirements. Containers must meet Vermont’s purchase and redemption rules. Read the Vermont Bottle Bill guidance. |
Important: These are standard refund values for eligible beer containers, not a guarantee that every bottle or can will be accepted. Deposit markings, container material and size, purchase location, and redemption rules can affect eligibility. Retailers may also have specific return procedures or limits.
How Do Beer Bottle Deposit Refunds Work?
A beer bottle deposit is a refundable amount collected when you buy an eligible beverage. You pay the deposit along with the price of the beer, then recover that amount when you return the qualifying empty container through the state’s deposit-return program.
The process usually involves four steps:
- Check eligibility. Look for the applicable deposit marking and confirm that the container qualifies in your state.
- Find a return location. Depending on your area, you may be able to use a participating retailer, redemption center, or reverse vending machine.
- Prepare the containers. Empty them and follow the local instructions for condition, labels, barcodes, and sorting.
- Collect the refund. The amount depends on the number of eligible containers accepted and the applicable deposit value.
There is no single nationwide bottle-deposit program that allows every empty beer bottle in the United States to be redeemed. Eligibility depends on the state program and its specific rules.
How Much Money Can You Get Back?
Your refund depends on how many eligible containers you return and the applicable rate. For example, 100 eligible containers would produce a gross refund of $5 at 5 cents per container or $10 at 10 cents per container.
These amounts assume every container qualifies and is accepted. They do not account for transportation or other expenses.
Remember the original deposit. If you return containers from your own purchases, you are generally recovering money you paid when buying the drinks. That is useful for managing your costs, but it is not the same as earning additional income.
If you collect containers that other people voluntarily give you, the refunds may provide additional cash, provided you have permission to collect them and the containers qualify for redemption. Your actual proceeds depend on the available supply, applicable rules, and collection expenses.
Where Can You Return Beer Bottles for Cash?
The best return location depends on your state and the type of containers you have. Start with the official state program links in the table above, then check local options.
1. Participating retailers
Some grocery stores and beverage retailers accept eligible bottles and cans and refund the applicable deposit. However, not every retailer accepts every container type, and some stores have specific return procedures or limits.
Check the store’s policy before bringing a large collection. This is particularly important if your containers include several brands, sizes, or materials.
2. Bottle redemption centers
Redemption centers specialize in collecting and processing eligible beverage containers. They may be convenient if you have a large collection or cannot easily return your containers at a nearby store.
Use the official state agency website or directory to find a suitable location. Confirm its operating hours, accepted materials, payment arrangements, and quantity restrictions before traveling.
3. Reverse vending machines
Some participating retailers have reverse vending machines that identify eligible containers and issue a receipt or refund according to the local program.
Follow the machine’s instructions. A container may be rejected if it is not eligible or the machine cannot identify it. Ask the retailer or redemption center whether another return method is available.
How to Prepare Beer Bottles and Cans for a Return
A little preparation can help you avoid rejected containers and unnecessary trips.
- Check eligibility first. Confirm the applicable deposit marking, container material, size, and beverage type before collecting large quantities.
- Empty each container. Remove leftover liquid and follow the return location’s cleanliness requirements.
- Keep containers intact when required. A return machine may need to recognize the container or scan its barcode. Do not crush containers unless the program permits it.
- Follow instructions for caps and sorting. Rules vary by program and redemption method. Do not assume that every state has the same requirements.
- Store containers safely. Use suitable containers to reduce spills, odors, pests, and breakage.
- Check bulk-return rules. Ask whether the location has daily limits, appointments, or special arrangements for large collections.
Remember that acceptance for ordinary recycling does not automatically qualify a bottle or can for a deposit refund. Follow the specific redemption program’s requirements.
Can You Return Beer Bottles Purchased in Another State?
Do not assume that an empty bottle or can can be redeemed in any state with a deposit program. Some states restrict refunds to containers on which a deposit was paid in that state.
For example, New York requires containers to meet its deposit and labeling rules. Michigan prohibits bringing in containers from other states on which no Michigan deposit was paid for the purpose of collecting a Michigan refund.
Before transporting containers across state lines, check the rules of the state where you intend to redeem them. If a container is not eligible for a deposit refund, an ordinary recycling facility may still accept it, but that does not entitle you to the original deposit.
Can Returning Beer Bottles Be a Side Hustle?
Returning containers can provide extra cash, but whether it is worthwhile depends on the number of eligible bottles and cans available, the applicable refund rates, and your collection expenses. Returning containers from your own purchases generally recovers deposits you already paid. Collecting containers from others with permission may provide additional cash when the containers are eligible for redemption.
If you want to compare deposit refunds with selling aluminum cans by weight, read our guide to the can recycling side hustle. It covers scrap-metal payments, collection expenses, and how to estimate realistic proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all beer bottles have a refundable deposit?
No. Only containers covered by the applicable deposit program qualify. The beverage type, container material and size, deposit marking, and purchase location may affect eligibility. In states without a deposit program, ordinary recycling does not automatically provide a cash refund.
Which states pay 10 cents for beer bottles?
Connecticut, Michigan, and Oregon generally provide a 10-cent refund for eligible beer containers. California provides 5 cents for eligible containers smaller than 24 ounces and 10 cents for eligible containers 24 ounces or larger. Always confirm the applicable state requirements.
Are beer cans worth more than glass bottles?
Not necessarily. Deposit programs provide their specified refund for each eligible container. Scrap-metal buyers use a different payment system and generally pay for accepted aluminum by weight. The better option depends on local rules and the buyer’s rates.
Do I need to keep the bottle cap on?
There is no universal cap requirement for every deposit-return program. Some locations have specific preparation instructions. Check the applicable program’s rules before returning your containers.
What should I do if a bottle-return machine rejects my container?
Check whether the container qualifies and whether it is in the condition required by the program. An unreadable barcode or unrecognized product may cause rejection. Follow the machine’s instructions or ask the retailer or redemption center whether another return method is available.
Sources and Further Reading
This article uses official state government resources to explain beer bottle deposit refund amounts, container eligibility, and redemption requirements. Because bottle-deposit laws can change, check the relevant state agency’s guidance before returning a large quantity of containers.
Official State Bottle Deposit Programs
- California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle): Beverage Container Recycling. Refund values, eligible containers, and redemption information.
- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: Connecticut Bottle Bill. Deposit rates, eligible containers, and program requirements.
- Hawaii Department of Health: HI-5 Consumer Information. Refund eligibility, container preparation, and redemption guidance.
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Bottle Deposit Law. Covered beverages and deposit-return requirements.
- Maine Department of Environmental Protection: Bottle Bill. Deposit amounts, container coverage, and redemption information.
- Massachusetts: Deposit Bottle and Can Recycling. Information about the state’s bottle-deposit program and return requirements.
- Michigan: Bottle Deposit Law. Refund rules, retailer requirements, and restrictions on container returns.
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Bottle and Can Deposit Returns. Eligibility, deposit markings, and redemption requirements.
- Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission: Redeemable Beverages. Eligible beverage containers and refund information.
- Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation: Vermont Bottle Bill. Covered containers, deposit requirements, and program updates.
General Recycling Guidance
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: How Do I Recycle Common Recyclables?. General information on recycling common materials.
Related Money For My Beer Guides
- Can Recycling Side Hustle. Learn about recycling cans for money, scrap-metal payments, collection expenses, and estimating potential proceeds.
- Beermoney Guide. Explore ways to earn extra money online and evaluate different earning opportunities.
- Ways to Make Money in Your Spare Time. Discover other flexible earning ideas and compare their requirements and costs.
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