FAQs about the "Bottle Bill"
Q. Why should I return empty beverage containers to the store?
A. Under Delaware's Beverage Container Law, stores must charge a deposit on certain types of beverage containers. If the store where you purchased the containers was complying with the law, you paid five cents for each container, in addition to the cost of the beverage itself. If you return the empty container to the store, that five-cent deposit will be given back to you. The purpose of the deposit is to provide an incentive for people to return bottles to a store so they won't end up as trash or, worse yet, litter.
Q. What types of beverage containers are subject to the deposit requirement?
A. A deposit must be charged on a container if:
- The container is designed to hold less than two quarts, and
- The container is not made of 100% aluminum, and
- The beverage in the container is a carbonated beverage (i.e., a soft drink) that does not contain alcohol, or the beverage is beer, ale, or a malt beverage containing alcohol.
Q. Do I have to take bottles back to the store where I bought them in order to get the deposit back?
A. No. A store must accept containers of the type, brand, and size that the store sells, regardless of where the containers were purchased.
Q. Under what conditions may a store refuse to refund the deposit?
A. Astore may refuse to accept containers and pay the refund if:
- The containers are not labeled with the words "Delaware 5¢" or "DE 5¢"; or
- The store does not sell that type, size, and brand of container; or
- The containers are broken, unclean, or not empty (a container is unclean or not empty if it contains dirt, paper, cigarette butts, or any other material except the residue of the beverage that was in the container); or
- A person is attempting to return more than 120 containers at one time, or within a one-week period.
Q. Can a store refuse to pay a refund on the grounds that the store does not charge a deposit?
A. No! Any store that sells beverages in containers covered by the law must charge the deposit and pay the refund. A store that is not charging the deposit is in violation of the law. The law makes reference to redemption centers where consumers can return beverage containers and receive the refund of the deposit.
Q. How can I find out if there is a redemption center near me?
A. The law provides for the establishment of redemption centers where returnable beverage containers and other recyclable materials could be accepted. Stores located in the vicinity of a redemption center would not be required to accept returnable containers. However, no redemption centers have been established in the state; therefore, all stores that sell beverages in returnable containers must take the containers back.
Q. Is there someone I can call if a store refuses to accept returnable beverage containers?
A. If you have any problems getting a refund for returnable containers, or if you have any questions about the Beverage Container Law, you may contact:
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Division of Air and Waste Management
Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Branch
89 Kings Highway
Dover DE 19901
Phone: 302-739-9403
Or, call the Delaware HelpLine and ask for DNREC:
New Castle County ------------------ 577-3000
Kent and Sussex Counties ------- 800-464-4357
