OLCC rewrites bottle bill return rules
By Terry Murry on Friday, June 6th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PORTLAND – The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission issued new temporary rules updating the state’s Bottle Bill. The rules went into effect immediately and will expire on Dec. 2 to be replaced with permanent rules.
The new rules were due to Gov. Tina Kotek signing Senate Bill 992 into law on Tuesday. Updates include enabling stores to limit the hours they must provide redemption services, altering the requirements for stores participating as redemption centers, and enabling the opening of alternative-access redemption centers.
“With today’s significant changes, we will ensure that our pioneering system will continue to serve communities across our state for years to come,” OLCC Chairman Dennis Doherty said in a prepared statement Thursday.
The rule changes allow stores to limit the hours they accept returns from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Stores are no longer required to provide redemption services during all the hours they are open.
One of the largest changes is the creation of Alternative Access Redemption Centers. That enables nonprofit organizations to open redemption centers. The bill includes some changes to convenience zones that will be part of the approval process of these centers.
During the summer, OLCC staff will gather feedback from industry and the public about the temporary rules. That input will help establish the permanent rules that will take place this winter.
Also at its meeting, the commission approved canned wine, cider over 8.5 percent alcohol, sake, and mead for redemption. Beginning July 1, cans of those beverages will carry a redemption value and will be accepted at all centers. Wineries that sell canned wine will only be required to accept the containers they sell.
