Recycling empty beverage bottles reduces waste, litter, and the amount of pollution caused by making new bottles.
Since Target (with 1900+ stores across the U.S.) sells a large range of drinks and beverages, you might be wondering – does Target have bottle returns? Here is what I’ve discovered!
Does Target Have Bottle Return?
Many Target stores have bottle returns, but this varies from state to state. Customers can return empty cans along with glass and plastic bottles to the guest recycling stations located at the front of each Target store, getting 5 cents or 10 cents per bottle depending on the volume.
If you want to know more about how to return a bottle to Target, which stores have a bottle return system, and which containers are accepted, keep on reading!
Does Every Target Store Have A Bottle Bill?
While most Target stores have a recycling station with open access for the public, there are currently only ten US states which have a bottle bill.
Due to this law, it is highly likely that Target stores in these states will have the bottle return system in place. The ten states are as follows:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
Which Bottles Can You Return To Target?
Target accepts a range of recyclable items such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and plastic beverage containers.
Additionally, you can return bottles that previously contained all kinds of liquids, such as beer, milk, wine, and soda.
How Do You Return A Bottle To Target?
Returning a recyclable bottle to Target is simple since almost every store has a guest recycling station situated at the front of the store.
Simply drop off your used containers in the correct bins and ask a member of staff about how to redeem your deposit.
You can also call ahead (using Target’s store locator to get the contact info) to find out if your local store has a deposit scheme in place.
What Is The Bottle Deposit Fee At Target?
The bottle deposit fee varies across states, but typically (such as in California), you can expect to pay 5 cents for bottles under 24 ounces and 10 cents for bottles over 24 ounces.
When you return the bottle to the guest recycling station at Target, you can either choose to get this deposit back or have it donated to a non-profit recycling company.
What Are The Benefits Of Bottle Return?
The main benefit of a bottle return system is its positive impact on the environment.
The small added cost to drinks’ prices encourages consumers to return their bottles to be recycled correctly, in order to have their bottle deposit redeemed.
In this way, the system ultimately leads to higher recycling rates, decreases the amount of litter ending up on the streets and in landfills, and minimizes the amount of energy needed to create brand-new bottles.
What Is Bottle Return?
Bottle return refers to the system put in place by the bottle bill, which is another term for ‘container deposit law’ in the U.S.
The main purpose of this initiative is to increase the number of bottles that are recycled and reused every year.
Specifically, this law requires a small monetary deposit to be added to the price of beverage containers at the point of sale, which is later refunded to the customer when they return the used container for recycling.
To learn more, you can see our related post on if you can recycle plastic bags at Target, if Walmart has a bottle return, and if Costco has a bottle return.
Conclusion
Target does indeed have bottle return systems, but only in particular states (listed above). The best way to find out if you can return empty beverage bottles and receive a deposit refund is to contact your local Target store.
At the store, you can submit your bottle to the guest recycling station at the front and get back deposits that can be 5-cents or 10-cents per bottle, depending on the volume of each bottle.
Actually, even in MA some Target stores don’t accept bottle and can returns