COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak and Bottle Bill Beverage Container Redemption
Fact Sheet – March 31, 2020
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) previously issued a press release on March 16, 2020 noting that it would be temporarily exercising “enforcement discretion” toward redemption of deposit containers at retailers that sell beverages subject to Connecticut’s bottle bill program. This press release noted that this “temporary action will be in place through March 31, 2020, subject to possible extension in consultation with public health officials.” Please refer to DEEP’s website for notice regarding any extensions.
Some of the questions that DEEP has been receiving regarding the CT bottle bill program since COVID-19-related restrictions have gone into place earlier this month follow.
Q: Are redemption centers considered “essential businesses”?
A: Per Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 7H, independent redemption centers are an essential service to sort and manage the waste stream, producing high quality and readily marketable recycled feedstock which are relied upon by the manufacturing industry.
Q: Does Executive Order 7H supersede DEEP’s announced “enforcement discretion” with regard to container redemption requirements of the CT bottle bill program at retail locations?
A: No, it does not. DEEP’s temporary suspension of enforcement actions against Connecticut retailers still stands.
Executive Order 7H includes "trash and recycling collection, hauling, and processing" as an essential service and allows these services to continue operating. Independent redemptions centers play an important role in recycling through the Connecticut's bottle bill program and are included in the recycling sector noted in Executive Order 7H. Connecticut’s bottle bill program is an integral part of the State's Comprehensive Materials Management Strategy (CMMS) - required by CGS Sec 22a-228b & implemented per CGS 22a-229.
Retailers that opt to continue offering redemption services should also continue to use standard procedures for safe handling of returned containers. This includes use of appropriate gloves and any protective clothing normally employed. Proper hand hygiene should always be employed.
Q: Why have grocery stores closed their bottle redemption services?
A: Many grocery stores and supermarkets have indicated difficulties managing the need to restock food shelves and maintain their stores in addition to managing their on-site redemption and collection areas. DEEP issued an “enforcement discretion” notice, temporarily suspending enforcement of retailers (including supermarkets and grocery stores) who opt to close their on-site redemption areas to focus on keeping their stores clean and keeping shelves stocked with supplies.
It is expected that as shortages of staffing/resources are addressed by retailers (including supermarkets and grocery stores), bottle redemption services will resume at those locations. Redemption of deposit containers is still permissible for all retailers who sell beverages that are subject to Connecticut’s bottle bill program.
Q: Are wholesalers and distributors required to pick up deposit containers after they have been redeemed?
A: Yes. The “enforcement discretion” announced by DEEP only applies to retailers at which deposit container redemption take place.
Q: Are there health concerns regarding the handling empty beverage containers in the bottle redemption supply chain?
A: The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) believes that the risk of transmission from handling bottles is low and that the greatest risk of transmission is from person-to-person interaction. DPH recommends that social distancing take place at redemption centers for both staff and visitors who drop off empty containers.
DPH also recommends that persons handling beverage containers in a redemption center continue to follow OSHA guidance. OSHA recommends that anyone working to collect containers at a redemption center facility wear nitrile gloves when in the process of redeeming deposit containers. Such personal protection equipment is expected to be protective against COVID-19 coronavirus. If the redemption center cannot provide nitrile gloves to staff, then DPH advises them to cease operations until adequate protective measures are available. For additional information, please refer to this OSHA webpage:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/controlprevention.html
Q: How can consumers safely return their empty deposit containers?
A: As a consumer, first confirm that the point of redemption that you would like to use is currently open. At all times, ensure that empty beverage containers are rinsed and emptied of any liquids.
Follow the general safety, hygiene and social distancing guidance provided by the Department of Public Health and/or Centers for Disease Control when you leave your home (e.g., frequently wash hands, do not touch your face, allow adequate spacing between people, etc.).
Redemption centers may be establishing practices that include CDC and CT DPH social distancing recommendations and limiting the number of customers in the building. If your usual redemption area isn’t open, please consider taking your containers to another redemption center. A list of independent redemption facilities in Connecticut can be found at:
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle/Bottles/Connecticut-Redemption-Centers