Yes, Walmart Does Have Bottle Return in 2023 – Here‘s Your Complete Guide
If you have empty glass bottles and live in certain states or Canada, you can return them to Walmart for a refund in 2023. Walmart provides bottle and can returns at select stores to comply with local container deposit laws.
Read on for a detailed overview of how, when, and where you can return bottles to Walmart. I‘ll draw on my extensive knowledge as an e-commerce seller to explain the ins and outs of these programs.
Bottle Bills: The Laws Behind Bottle Returns
First, let‘s look at why Walmart offers bottle returns in the first place.
In 10 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces, there are bottle bill laws requiring deposits on beer, soda, and other beverage containers. This creates an incentive for consumers to return bottles rather than throwing them away.
When you return your containers, you recover the 5-10 cent deposit paid initially. Walmart collects the empties and sends them to bottling plants where they will be washed, refilled, and resold.
Why Are Bottle Bills So Important?
These deposit programs have been game-changers for recycling. Just look at the numbers:
- 5-15 billion additional containers recycled annually due to bottle bills (Container Recycling Institute)
- 40% higher recycling rates in states with bottle bills (Northeast Waste Management Officials‘ Association)
- 60-84% of beverage containers redeemed for recycling in bottle bill states, compared to 24% in non-bottle bill states (National Conference of State Legislators)
As you can see in the table below, the ten bottle bill states show far higher glass recycling rates than non-bottle bill states:
| State | Glass Recycling Rate |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 80% |
| New York | 76% |
| Michigan | 95% |
| Iowan | 86% |
| Vermont | 85% |
| Oregon | 90% |
| Maine | 85% |
| Connecticut | 60% |
| California | 77% |
| Delaware | 75% |
| Non-bottle bill state average | 34% |
Bottle bills also create jobs. A report by the Container Recycling Institute shows that up to 5 times more jobs are created from recycling containers in deposit states.
So Walmart‘s bottle returns not only reduce waste but also boost employment and the economy. It‘s a win-win!
Where are Walmart‘s Bottle Return Facilities Located?
Walmart provides bottle returns at select stores in these 10 U.S. states with container deposit laws:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
Additionally, all Walmart stores across Canada have bottle return services available.
I recommend calling your local store ahead of time to confirm they offer bottle returns before making the trip. You can also check the Walmart Store Finder and look for mentions of bottle returns under the Services section.
What Types of Containers Can You Return to Walmart?
At Walmart, only glass bottles and jars are accepted for returns. These get refilled most efficiently compared to plastic or aluminum.
Look on the label for phrases like "MI 10c" or "NY 5¢" to identify eligible containers. Brands often print the refund value right on the glass in bottle bill states.
Both carbonated (soda, sparkling water) and non-carbonated (juice, iced tea) glass beverage bottles are included.
Unfortunately, Walmart cannot accept:
- Plastic bottles
- Aluminum cans
- Glass containers for milk, wine, spirits, or other non-beverage items
Step-By-Step: How to Return Bottles at Walmart
The bottle return process at Walmart is quick and straightforward:
Collect your empty, unbroken glass bottles. Rinse if needed.
Transport bottles to Walmart in bins, crates, or boxes. Wear gloves when handling.
Locate the bottle redemption machine, usually near the front entrance. Ask an employee for help if needed.
Feed in bottles one at a time into the automated sorting machine. Listen for the beep!
The machine scans each bottle and provides a printed voucher receipt.
Take your voucher to the register where cashiers will exchange it for cash.
Congrats, you just got money back while recycling and reducing waste! Remember the $25 daily return limit per person.
Pro Tip: Team up with friends and family members to return bottles together. You can split the returns and maximize your combined refunds.
Behind the Scenes: Where Do the Bottles Go?
Ever wonder what happens to bottles after you return them? Let me provide some insider knowledge!
After getting returned to Walmart, bottles are picked up by reverse distributors. These are trucks that transport the empties back to bottling facilities and distribution centers.
At the plant, bottles run through automated sorting systems to remove trash and separate by material type, color, and size.
Finally, the sorted glass gets washed, refilled, and shipped out for distribution. Completing the full loop!
So by returning your bottles to Walmart, you play an important role in this closed-loop recycling system.
The Impacts of Bottle Bills on Retailers Like Walmart
As an e-commerce seller myself, I‘ve seen firsthand how container deposit laws affect retailers.
Positives:
Bottle return programs enhance sustainability initiatives and PR for retailers like Walmart
Increased foot traffic from bottle returns can boost in-store sales
Displays social responsibility and commitment to community values
Challenges:
Volume spikes can strain staffing needs and checkout times
Storage and pickup of empty containers takes coordination
Requires customer education on policies to avoid confusion
Can complicate logistics and distribution of certain bottle-billed items
Overall, I applaud Walmart for stepping up to make bottle returns available despite the headaches. This commitment brings recycling access to millions of customers across North America.
The next time you finish a bottle of juice or iced tea, remember to return it to Walmart on your next visit. Together, our small daily actions can drive real change.
Thanks for reading this in-depth guide on redeeming your bottles at Walmart. I hope you found it helpful and walk away more informed on these impactful recycling programs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
