What can you CLYNK?
Each state’s Bottle Bill is unique; click the state you are CLYNKing in below to learn what can and cannot go in your green bags.
Bottle bills – “the rockstars of recycling.”*
Ten states have beverage container redemption laws: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont. Bottle bills incentivize recycling by offering a cash refund for returned beverage containers, reducing litter, conserving resources, and encouraging a circular economy. The two states with the longest-running bag drop program – Maine and Oregon, boast the country’s highest recycling rates for beverage containers.
CLYNK partners with beverage manufacturers and distributors to ensure customers get their nickel or dime back seamlessly. By law, it’s the manufacturers’ responsibility to return these deposits, and CLYNK makes it effortless while championing recycling at its highest potential. Together, we’re turning plastic, aluminum, and glass into reusable resources—helping manufacturers reduce reliance on the planet’s raw materials.
*Susan V. Collins, President of Container Recycling Institute
Maine
Since 1978, Mainers have proudly paid deposits and returned their bottles and cans for those iconic nickel or 15-cent deposit refunds. What started in 1976 as a mission to clean up roads, highways, and sidewalks has grown into a beloved tradition that keeps Maine beautiful helping the state live up to its famous slogan as Vacationland by preserving the natural charm that draws visitors from near and far!
Maine’s Bottle Bill is the most extensive of any other state, covering more beverage types, including nips (airplane bottles). Maine ranks #2 with an overall recycling rate of 77%, behind Oregon at 87% as reported by industry leader, Container Recycling Institute.
New York
New York State’s Bottle Bill, officially known as the Returnable Container Act, was enacted in 1982 and implemented in 1983. It placed a 5-cent deposit on select beverage containers, including beer, malt beverages, soda, mineral water, and wine coolers, to incentivize recycling and reduce litter. In 2009, the law was expanded to include plastic water bottles, reflecting evolving environmental concerns. As of January 2025, legislation has been introduced to further expand the Bottle Bill by including more types of eligible beverages and additional penalties.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s Bottle Bill was enacted in 1980 to promote recycling and reduce litter. Initially, it placed a 5-cent deposit on select beverage containers, including beer and carbonated soft drinks. In 2009, the law was expanded to include non-carbonated beverages such as water. On January 1, 2023, the program further expanded to cover additional beverages. Most notably, effective January 1, 2024, the deposit amount doubled from 5 cents to 10 cents to further incentivize recycling. As of July 1, 2025, the law changed again and no longer includes hard cider and THC beverages. These progressive changes aim to enhance recycling rates and environmental stewardship in Connecticut.
Iowa
Iowa’s Bottle Bill, officially the Beverage Container Control Law, was enacted on April 1, 1978, and implemented in 1979. It places a 5-cent deposit on beverage containers such as beer, carbonated soft drinks, and mineral water to encourage recycling and reduce litter. CLYNK’s Bag Drop is “white labeled” and operates under the brand name, Droppett.
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