If you‘re an eco-conscious shopper who buys a lot of beverages in cans and bottles, you may be wondering – does Target offer bottle return services? Recycling your empty containers is a small action that can make a big impact on reducing waste and conserving resources. Many retailers, including Target, have stepped up to make it easier for customers to recycle with bottle return programs.
In this post, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about returning bottles and cans at Target, including which stores participate, what types of containers are accepted, how the process works, and more. Let‘s dive in!
What Are Bottle Bill Laws?
First, it‘s important to understand what the "bottle bill" is and how it impacts retailer bottle return programs. The bottle bill, also known as a container deposit law, requires a minimum refundable deposit on beverage containers in order to incentivize consumers to recycle them.
When a retailer in a bottle bill state sells a beverage, a small deposit (usually 5-10 cents) is added to the price. Customers can then return their empty cans or bottles to the store and receive their deposit back. This encourages recycling and reduces litter by assigning a monetary value to the containers.
Currently, 10 U.S. states and Guam have bottle bill laws in place:
- California
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
So what does this mean for Target stores? According to the retailer‘s corporate responsibility reports, Target is committed to supporting recycling and waste reduction in the communities they serve. As such, Target stores located in bottle bill states are required to participate in the container redemption program per state law.
Bottle Returns at Target
If you shop at a Target in one of the bottle bill states listed above, you will likely find bottle return services available. Most Target stores in these areas have a guest recycling station, usually located near the front of the store or in the parking lot. This is where you can drop off your empty beverage containers to redeem your deposit.
However, it‘s important to note that Target‘s participation in bottle return programs can vary by location, even within bottle bill states. Some stores may have more limited hours for bottle returns or may temporarily suspend the service due to machine malfunctions or capacity limits.
To confirm if your local Target currently offers bottle return, you can use the store locator tool on their website and call ahead to ask about their guest recycling station. The guest services team can provide the most up-to-date information on redemption services, hours, and any restrictions.
Which Bottles & Cans Are Accepted?
Target‘s recycling program generally accepts all types of beverage containers covered under the state‘s bottle bill, which typically includes:
- Aluminum cans
- Glass bottles
- Plastic bottles (PET #1 & HDPE #2)
Most bottle bills cover a wide range of beverages, such as:
- Beer & malt drinks
- Soft drinks
- Carbonated water
- Sports drinks
- Juices (16 oz or greater, excluding 100% fruit juice in 46+ oz containers)
- Tea & coffee drinks
- Energy drinks
- Wine coolers
However, there are some exceptions depending on the state law. For example, Maine‘s bottle bill excludes beverages like wine, liquor, infant formula and meal replacement drinks. Be sure to check what specific beverages are eligible in your state.
It‘s also important that the containers are empty, reasonably clean, and not crushed. If a container is not labeled with the state‘s refund message, it may be rejected by the machine.
How to Return Bottles at Target
The actual bottle return process at Target is fairly simple and straightforward. Here‘s how it typically works:
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Gather your empty aluminum, glass, and plastic beverage containers. Ensure they are empty and not crushed or broken.
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Visit your local Target store and locate the guest recycling station. It is usually near the front entrance or in the parking area.
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At the recycling station, you‘ll find labeled receptacles or reverse vending machines (RVM). The RVM has a barcode scanner and small opening to insert bottles and cans.
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Insert your containers one at a time into the appropriate receptacle or RVM. The RVM will scan each container to verify the barcode and determine the refund amount. It keeps a running total as you feed in your bottles and cans.
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Once you‘ve finished returning your containers, the RVM will print out a redemption receipt. The receipt shows the total number of containers processed and the refund value.
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Take your receipt to the guest services counter inside the store. The Target team member can exchange it for cash or store credit equal to the redemption amount. Some newer kiosks may give you the option to donate the redemption funds to a nonprofit organization.
And that‘s it! The whole process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. However, if you experience any issues or the RVM rejects your containers, you can ask a Target team member for assistance.
Bottle Deposit Amounts
The exact refund amount you receive for returning bottles and cans at Target depends on the specific state law and size of the container. In most states, the redemption values are set as follows:
- 5¢ for containers under 24 ounces
- 10¢ for containers 24 ounces or greater
For example, in New York, you would receive a nickel back for returning soda cans or small water bottles. But larger containers, like a 1-liter soda bottle or 32 oz sports drink, are eligible for a dime refund.
Michigan and California are the exceptions to this deposit structure. Michigan offers a 10 cent redemption across the board, regardless of container size. California differentiates between 5 cent and 10 cent deposit values, but the threshold is 20 oz rather than 24 oz.
Over time, even small deposit amounts add up, especially if you purchase a high volume of packaged beverages. Getting into the habit of returning your bottles and cans to Target can help you recoup some of that money – and feel good about recycling too.
Environmental Impact of Bottle Returns
Beyond the financial incentive of redeeming your deposits, participating in bottle return programs has a significant positive impact on the environment. Consider these statistics:
- Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours.
- Producing new glass from recycled glass containers uses 30% less energy than making it from raw materials.
- Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to power a 100-watt bulb for 4 hours.
In states with bottle bills, recycling rates tend to be significantly higher than non-deposit states. According to the Container Recycling Institute, the 10 U.S. states with container deposit laws recycle 66% of covered containers, compared to just 30% in states without such legislation.
By returning your bottles and cans to Target for recycling, you are helping to:
- Conserve natural resources and raw materials
- Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
- Divert waste from landfills and prevent litter
- Support the circular economy and create recycling jobs
While it may seem like a small action, every bottle and can adds up to make a meaningful difference. Major retailers like Target play a key role in making recycling more convenient and accessible for their customers.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you live in one of the 10 U.S. states with container deposit laws, chances are your local Target store offers bottle and can return services. You can typically return all aluminum, glass, and plastic beverage containers covered under the state‘s bottle bill to receive a refund of 5-10 cents per item. The redemption process is straightforward, with most Target stores equipped with guest recycling stations and reverse vending machines.
Returning your bottles and cans to Target is an easy way to get your deposit back and an impactful way to help protect the environment. By recycling, you contribute to conserving resources, saving energy, and reducing pollution.
So next time you load up on beverages at Target, remember to save your empties and bring them back to the store to redeem and recycle. As the old environmental adage goes – "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!" Target is doing their part to close the loop and make recycling easier for consumers like you.
