Vending

Reformed Maine bottle redemption program raises concern

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August 6, 2023

Beverage brands have raised concerns about Maine's new bottle redemption program which raised the handling fee manufacturers pay to redemption centers from 4.5 cents to 5.5 cents per container, according to the NAMA weekly legislative roundup.

Deposit values for wine and liquor bottles of 15 cents and 5 cents for all other containers remain unchanged.

In addition, unclaimed deposits from consumers that do not redeem containers will now go to the bottle bill program rather than to beverage distributors.

Starting in 2025, redemption centers will also be able to sort by material instead of by brand.