Deposit return
Can I return a crushed deposit bottle or can?
It depends on the scheme, but many automated return systems need enough of the original shape and label to identify the container reliably.
Complete answer
The answer
A reverse-vending machine may use the barcode, dimensions, weight, material and shape. Crushing a container can make those checks fail. Manual return points can have different procedures.
The safest approach is to empty the container and keep it reasonably intact until you have checked the local return instructions. Do not remove the label or barcode when the scheme relies on them.
What to do
- Empty the container.
- Keep the label and barcode readable.
- Avoid crushing unless the local scheme explicitly allows it.
Related WasteSpot resources
These links are optional follow-up resources. The complete answer is provided above.
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