Stores in Linn and Lincoln Counties must accept bottle returns again.
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has allowed stores in “Extreme” or “High” risk counties to opt out of accepting bottles and cans. Now that Lincoln County is designated “Lower Risk” and Linn County is designated “Moderate Risk,” stores that sell deposit items must once again accept containers and process deposit refunds.
The OLCC waived the requirement for all stores when Gov. Kate Brown announced a "Statewide Freeze" last fall as part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
With the addition of Linn and Lincoln Counties, there are now 20 (out of 36) counties in Oregon where stores are require to accept bottle and cans for deposite returns. The OLCC says its standalone "Bottledrop" centers, which are located in some communities, remain open regardless of county risk level.