Massachusetts

Name	Beverage Container Recovery Law
Purpose	To provide an economic incentive for consumers to return used beverage containers and encourage conservation of materials and energy through recycling and reuse.
Enacted	Legislative override of governor’s veto, 6/4/81
Date Implemented	1/1/1983
Regulations	Massachusetts General Laws, Part I, Title XV, Chapter 94, Sections 321-327
Beverages Covered	Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, & mineral water
Containers Covered	Any sealable bottle, can, jar, or carton of glass, metal, plastic, or combo. Excludes biodegradables.
Amount of Deposit	5¢
Reclamation System	Retail stores and redemption centers
Handling Fee	Redemption Centers – 3.25¢[b]; retailers – 2.25¢
Unredeemed Deposits	100% goes to the Commonwealth’s General Fund
Return Rate	Overall Rate (Calendar Year)[1]: 2025: 33% 2024: 35% 2023: 36% 2022: 38% 2021: 38% 2020: 43% (redemption rate reflects the impact of reduced in-person redemption during the Covid pandemic) 2019: 50% 2018: 52% 2017: 57% 2016: 56% 2015: 59% 2014: 66% 2013: 66% 2012: 66% 2011: 68% 2010: 71% 2009: 70% 2008: 66% 2007: 66%
% of All Beverages Sold That Are Covered By Deposit	41% [2]

Wholesalers must file monthly reports with the Department of Revenue regarding deposits & refunds. [3]

In 1982, a repeal of Massachusetts’ deposit law was struck down with a 60% to 40% vote.

[1] Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection E-mail Communication with Sean Sylver. April 2026.

[2] “2021 Beverage Market Data Analysis.” Container Recycling Institute. 2024.

For information on labeling requirements, please contact your government agency.