• Vermont Beverage Container & Redemption Law State law prohibits all glass, metal, and plastic beverage containers from being disposed of in the trash.

    1. Redeemable (Deposit) Containers Most beer, soda, and liquor containers carry a 5¢ or 15¢ deposit. Keep deposit items separate from regular mixed recycling to collect your refund.

    • Grocery & Convenience Stores: By law, any retailer selling a specific brand and size must accept empty containers of that brand for a deposit refund (unless granted a state exemption due to a nearby redemption center).

    • Redemption Centers: Accept all Vermont-labeled deposit containers, regardless of brand. Local option: Rutland Redemption Center | (802) 775-4011.

    2. Non-Redeemable (No Deposit) Containers

    • Examples: Non-carbonated water, juice, and wine bottles.

    • How to Manage: These do not carry a deposit, but disposal in regular trash is still banned by state law. Place these in your local recycling containers or bring them to a transfer station, such as the Gleason Road Transfer Station | (802) 775-7209.

    Special Instructions:

    • All containers must be clean and empty. Retailers and redemption centers may legally refuse contaminated, unrinsed, or broken glass containers.