How Many Cans and Bottles Actually Get Returned Each Year in Oregon?

Not enough.

By Nigel Jaquiss

1,118,150,066.

That's how many cans and bottles Oregonians returned for refund last year: a big number, but the lowest percentage in four years.

In the new job he accepted last week as chief stewardship officer for the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, Multnomah County Commissioner Jules Bailey is taking on the challenge of reversing that decline.

Figures show Oregonians bought more redeemable drink containers than ever last year—but redeemed fewer than they did in 2012. The declining return rate is why the OLCC is doubling the deposit on containers to 10 cents starting next April—a windfall for can collectors and the beverage industry.

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