In Southern Oregon, recycling aluminum cans isn’t just about putting a few extra bucks in your pocket—it’s part of a larger community conversation about environmental responsibility and practical living. For many local families, the state’s BottleDrop program is a familiar fixture, offering a 10-cent refund for each eligible beverage container returned. But is it really worth the time and effort? And are there better ways to use those cans to help others?
For many families in Grants Pass and surrounding areas, collecting cans has become a routine part of weekly errands. While the financial return—roughly $2 per week for an average household—is modest, it can help offset small expenses like bread or milk. Over time, those savings add up. However, the effort required to sort, store, and transport bags of cans to redemption centers isn’t seen as worthwhile by everyone, particularly in rural parts of Josephine and Jackson Counties, where BottleDrop locations are few and far between.
While the payout per can is small, the environmental benefits are significant. In 2022 alone, Oregonians returned more than two billion containers, according to state reports, reaching an 88.5% redemption rate—the highest in the nation. That means fewer cans in landfills, less plastic polluting local streams, and a notable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the energy saved by recycling aluminum instead of mining new material. For Southern Oregon residents concerned about protecting the region’s forests, rivers, and wildlife, that matters.
The BottleDrop system, managed by the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC), is funded by beverage distributors and offers multiple ways to participate. Residents can drop off their bags at staffed centers, use self-serve kiosks, or even donate their deposits to local charities through the “Blue Bag” program. For some, donating cans to shelters, food banks, or community groups makes more sense than cashing them in. “It’s about helping others,” says Jacksonville retiree Carlos Jimenez. “I don’t need the change, but I know someone does.”
Despite the program’s environmental success, there are ongoing concerns. Business owners in downtown Medford and Grants Pass have voiced frustration about the logistics of handling returns—sanitation, staffing, and space being top complaints. Meanwhile, some BottleDrop locations have become gathering spots for unhoused individuals, creating tension between community members trying to recycle and those relying on the centers as a source of income or shelter.
There’s also the economic balancing act to consider. By pulling aluminum and other high-value recyclables out of the general waste stream, the BottleDrop program can affect revenue for municipal recycling systems. That shift, while not immediately felt by most residents, changes how cities manage waste and fund sanitation services.
So, is it worth it?
For most Southern Oregon residents, the answer depends on personal values and convenience. If you’re already conscious of your environmental footprint, returning cans is a simple way to contribute. If your budget is tight, the extra change might help. And if you’re looking to support others, sharing your cans with local nonprofits can make a real difference.
At the end of the day, recycling cans may not be a path to financial independence, but in Southern Oregon, it’s still a step toward cleaner streets, empowered communities, and a more sustainable future. Whether you drop them off yourself or hand them over to someone in need, your empty cans are worth more than they seem.