Maine's Beverage Container Redemption Program (Bottle Beak)

In 2015, the Maine Legislature passed Public Police force Chapter 166 "An Human activity to Promote Recycling Program Integration and Efficiencies" which transferred administration of the Returnable Drinkable Container, a.g.a. "the Canteen Bill" program to the Section of Environmental Protection. DEP is now responsible for licensing and renewals of redemption centers, registration of beverage container labels, and questions on initiator of deposit or contracted agent. For more data, please contact Scott Wilson (207) 446-1187.

The Maine "Bottle Bill" program began in 1978. Over the years, the bottle bill has evolved into a successful recycling program for glass, metal, and plastic beverage containers which reduces litter, conserves resources, and saves free energy. The program at present includes:

  • a 15¢ refundable eolith on spirits and wine beverage containers, and
  • a five¢ refundable deposit on beer, hard cider, wine coolers, soda, or noncarbonated water beverage containers, and alcoholic or noncarbonated drinks sold in the State.

Chart of Ozone Design Value.

Beverages that are Non covered under the Canteen Bill:

  • Milk, dairy-derived products
  • Maine-produced apple tree cider and blueberry juice
  • Seafood, meat or vegetable broths or soups
  • Instant drink powders
  • Products designed to be consumed in a frozen state
  • Liquid syrups, concentrates or extracts

How it works:

Nether Maine's drink container redemption program, manufacturers, distributors or sellers of bottled/canned beverages begin the procedure collecting the appropriate eolith fee (five cents or fifteen cents) for every drinkable container subject to this program which is sold in the State. Drink retailers pass this cost onto the consumer at time of purchase past charging that  deposit fee. This eolith encourages consumers to render their containers to a redemption center to reclaim their deposit. The initiators of deposit (or those working on their behalf) collect the containers from the redemption eye and pay them for the deposit fee which the redemption eye has already paid to the customer, plus a 'per container' handling fee, and recycle the nerveless containers.

Laws

  • Championship 38, Chapter 33: Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers of Beverage Containers

Rules

  • Chapter 426, Responsibilities under the Returnable Beverage Container Law

Forms

  • Online Beverage Container Licensing and Registration System – annals your beverage container labels using this on-line portal.

    • If you are renewing beverage container label registrations and have not received an eastward-mail with instructions, please contact Tiffany Veilleux 207-592-1609.

  • Fellow member Dealer Redemption Eye Agreement
  • Redemption Heart License Application
  • Bulk drink container redemption registration

Additional Information

  • Returnable Container Registration List (Excel) Check this list to confirm potable products with registered container labels to let for sales in Maine.
    [This file is updated each weekday to reflect new registrations that have been entered. Delight let sufficient time to download.]

Other Related Links

Nonalcoholic Potable Plant License Application (use Food & Fuel License Awarding)

Initiator of Deposit Tax Return Forms and Instructions - Maine Revenue Services

A complete list of liquor licensing laws - Maine Legislature

Agency of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery website

  • Liquor License and Permit Applications