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Business Profile

Bottle Return

BottleDrop

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Bottle Return.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for BottleDrop's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

Find a Location

BottleDrop has 11 locations, listed below.

*This company may be headquartered in or have additional locations in another country. Please click on the country abbreviation in the search box below to change to a different country location.

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    • BottleDrop

      17300 SE 120th Ave Clackamas, OR 97015

    • BottleDrop

      1176 N Hayden Meadows Dr Portland, OR 97217-7546

    • BottleDrop

      755 NE 2nd St Bend, OR 97701-4750

    • BottleDrop

      2727 Avenue G Medford, OR 97503-3001

    • BottleDrop

      30300 SW Boones Ferry Rd Wilsonville, OR 97070-6889

    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 21 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 4 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:01/28/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      The ******* BottleDrop location: Absolutely horrendous employees that work there. Tried returning as we love to recycle unfortunately there was a line. We waited an hour to get to the door, everything was fine. As soon as an open spot to stand and wait inside appeared, we tried walking in but were yelled at to get outside. No reason to be yelling at customers let alone yelling at us moving inside to an actual spot to keep the line flow. Went back outside and we were blocking the door so the African-American lady once again yelled at us to not return. Its a shame the employees feel the need to get absurdly disgruntled over compliant customers. Not to mention the few other times we have gotten interrogated for having out-of-state license plates *************** members) yet we are Oregon tax payers with proof, and still were told to leave. BottleDrop service has fell off, take your cans/bottles elsewhere.

      Business Response

      Date: 02/04/2025

      Thank you for reaching out about your experience with the ******* Redemption Center. We have attempted to contact you at the phone number and email address provided as requested. If you have not received these communications, we encourage you to check your voicemail. A message has been left with direct contact information for a member of our *************************** team.


      We want to ensure staff at all our locations are respectful and helpful and we take these concerns seriously. We will be reviewing this incident and following up with our staff members accordingly.
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/19/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      ResolvedMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I have been using my bottledrop credits to use in-store which is SUPPOSE to add 20% percent to your withdrawal, but I have found at least 2 times that selecting this savings has NOT been granted. I have a receipt showing my discount from my bottle count was EXACTLY the same amount as a money withdrawl. So the 20% savings by using it in-store is NOT being given!

      Business Response

      Date: 12/23/2024

      Thank you for speaking with us about this matter. We appreciate the opportunity to resolve your issue. As discussed during our call, please inform the cashier of any concerns during your transaction to ensure the BottleDrop Plus credit is applied correctly. Be aware that certain items may have exclusions or restrictions that vary by retailer, so we recommend verifying any limitations with the store before making your purchase. In the future, if you do not receive the full value of your voucher towards your purchase, we encourage you to contact the stores customer service for assistance.

      Please let our customer service team know if you have any further questions. We can be reached at ************ every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 12/23/2024

       
      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

      Sincerely,

      ******* ******
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/18/2024

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      If you plan on dealings with the Bottle Drop, be sure to, 1. Get a copy of their Agreement, 2. Use their green bags, 3. Count your cans!, 4. If your phone complaints are met with intimidation mention the BBB and ask for a supervisor, especially if you have special needs. Heres why:After hours, on April 13th, I dropped off five large bags of cans at the *********** Bottle Drop Recycling Center (BDRC). Id run out of their bags but my own bags were properly labeled. Today I phoned Portland about the shortage in my account and encountered an UNPROFESSIONAL Bottle Drop **************** *** ******* telling me that because I didnt use their bags, they had to dispose of my cans, thereby keeping the monetary value. Their green bags are much smaller, and average $8.50 per bag so, in other words, she was actually saying they had to steal $42.50 from me. I explained I have a MH disability so it takes a lot for me to go outside. **** said I was given an agreement when I first signed up. (I was NOT; I was given a card, a box of bags and some labels.) UnCR repeated that I violated this mysterious agreement by using my own bags, and that their record also shows they left me a voice mail message (as if I wouldnt remember if they left a message). They did NOT. [Looking at their complaint history with the BBB; saying they tried to reach out when they did NOT, is a common misconception with Bottle Drop.] I said I thought it was illegal and left the call with UnCR feeling like my rights were violated on multiple levels. Fifteen minutes later, while writing this, I received a call from a PROFESSIONAL Bottle Drop **************** *** (P~CR) who said there had been an internal miscommunication in my case, the ball got dropped and a message wasnt left. P~CR HEARD that I am disabled, not only restoring $42.50 to my account, but reassuring me they do accommodate mail-out bags, cards and labels in SPECIAL cases. Needless to say P~CR saved **** from a clear discrimination violation.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/23/2024

      We value your feedback and are committed to continually improving our services. 

      After examining your complaint, we have confirmed that a credit of $42.50 has been applied to your account, as you indicated. While we do not typically mail Green Bags to customers, we may consider special accommodations on a case-by-case basis, as you mentioned. 

      Our BottleDrop Green Bag Program requires the use of our Green Bags for all drop-offs, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions, which are agreed upon during the sign-up process. These terms are also available on our website at ************************************************************************************** at anytime.

      If you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at the contact information provided.
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/29/2024

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      ResolvedMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Bottle Drop has repeatedly refused my attempts to sign up for an account, without a valid justification. I want to have an account and be able to return bottles and reclaim the deposits I paid, just like anyone else.I moved to ****** 3 months ago from out of state. I have attempted to sign up for an account online countless times and it has always been rejected. I emailed Bottle Drop and was told that a "3rd party service" validates the data. They told me that either my name, address, or phone number can not be validated.This is fine, but what information is incorrect? They refuse to tell me. Their multiple emails go in circles. It is like they are trolling **** have an Oregon state id, registered motor vehicles, insurance, a lease, a **** address, a library card, my phone, and my bank accounts and credit cards all set to my new address without any problems.Bottle Drop refuses to tell me which piece of information is allegedly incorrect. They refuse to tell me if the mysterious "3rd party service" has possibly made a mistake (they also refuse to tell me the name of the 3rd party service so I can seek to address the issue). They refuse to tell me if I am perhaps the victim of identity theft.I have also visited them in person and called on the phone. On the phone I asked if there is any recourse and they simply said "no."My credit score is usually close to 800. I don't know if they are discriminating against me for some reason.They have been granted a monopoly for this city service. They need to provide me with an account and stop violating my rights.

      Business Response

      Date: 08/02/2024

      Thank you for speaking with one of our representatives on July 31st to resolve your account sign-up issue. Please reach out to us at the contact information provided if you need further assistance with your account. 

      Customer Answer

      Date: 08/02/2024

       
      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

      Sincerely,

      *****************************
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/30/2024

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I deposited 2 green bags at *******************************. One had $7.00 of returnables, the other had $5.50. I count my returnables because they always give me an incorrect refund, and I always need to call and adjust. Ive never had a problem getting my correct refund until today. The customer service person refused to let me speak to a manager and refused to send me a picture of my returnables that she said she was looking at that didn't warrant a bigger refund. She put me on hold for 15 minutes and told me she gave my contact info to a manager but that I wouldn't be receiving my correct refund for the number of bottles I returned.

      Business Response

      Date: 04/03/2024

      We have processed an account adjustment of $4.20 as requested. In relation to the request for pictures of the processing, please understand that our policies prevent us from sharing such images to ensure the privacy and security of our operations.


      We have attempted to contact you twice at the number provided. If you have not received our calls, we encourage you to check your voicemail. A message has been left with direct contact information for a member of our *************************** team, as requested.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/28/2023

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      using the green bags to drop off bottles and not receiving the correct dollar amount. I have tried this several time over the past year counting my cans to an even amount in each bag to drop off.i can get $8.00 of cans into a bag. and $4.00 to $5.00 of bottles and in more than one occasion has it been counted correctly I believe someone is skimming off 4 or 5 cans per bag (in my own experience) for their own benefit. I've gone to their customer service comment area twice and have gotten no reply or compensation back.I know they're just going say some bottles or cans weren't redeemable but that's not true because when I run them through the machines myself I get an accurate amount and none are rejected. attached is my bottle drop account showing what they redeemed. the amounts in each bag all should have been even Dollar amounts.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/29/2023

      Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your issue. Our records show that we responded to your most recent message on November 12th via email, requesting additional information to address your concern. It's possible that our response was directed to your email's spam filter. Please check your spam folder and **** our responses as 'not spam' to ensure future communication. To resolve your issue, we have credited your account with the requested amount of $5.50. Should you have any ***************, our customer service department is available at ************** from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:12/04/2023

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I went to the bottle drop location in ****, ** today and dropped off 6 bags full to bursting with cans and bottles. I was credited for 80 or less cans/bottles per bag when I know for a fact that there was well over 100 cans/bottles in AT LEAST one of those bags (2 cases of water bottles 24 count each case and 3 cases of keystone cans at 30 count per case that should have been a total of 138 cans/bottles in 1 bag) I was only credited a total of $39.71 for 6 bags of cans/bottles. This is c*** They short me like this every time I use this service. There was easily close to 500 cans/bottles in those 6 bags (I should know because the boxes for all the beer are still at my house waiting to be burned) which should have been a credit of close to $50 and I didn't even get a $40 credit to my account. They are ripping people off left and right and it *****. You don't even have the option to turn them in by hand as every time I go to this location (which is the only location around this area) all the machines are down/broken. This is my grocery money and now I am short $10 from what I know I should have had just based on counting the boxes at my house which those container came out of. I WILL NOT CONTINUE TO USE THIS SERVICE BECAUSE THEY RIP ME OFF FOR $10-$20 EVERYTIME I DROP OFF BAGS. I do not live close to a bottle drop location so usually store up my bottles/cans before dropping them off to make it worth my while, it IS NOT worth my time if the bottle drop is going to STEAL from me every time I drop my returns with them.

      Business Response

      Date: 12/06/2023

      We certainly understand receiving a credit amount different from what you were expecting can be disappointing. We see that a total of 453 containers were counted between all 6 bags dropped on December 4th.

      To ensure a smooth drop-off process, we encourage our patrons not to overfill the bags, preventing any tearing or spillage during the drop. We also encourage customers to tie their bags so the opening at the top of the bag is smaller than any containers within the bag itself. This also helps to limit any container spillage by securing the bag contents. We certainly like to think our bags our spacious for typical return volumes at approximately 13 gallons in size. However, the stated amount of 90 (12oz) cans and 48 standard (16.9oz)water bottles would be outside of what fits within a securely tied ***** *** without condensing the containers while filling the bag itself. As a reminder we do not accept crushed or flattened containers within our ***** ***s as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.

      Additionally, we want to highlight that the processing fees and bag purchases are essential components of our ***** *** Program. The processing fee, amounting to eight percent (8%) of the total bag value, rounded down, is assessed at the time of bag processing. The ***** ***s themselves cost $2.00 per box of ten (10) bags charged to your account at the time of purchase.We see a box of bags was purchased against the account prior to the most recent drop, so the balance started at a negative $2.00 balance on the 4th,prior to any bag credits being applied. You can view a detailed transaction history for your account on our website at bottledrop.com or via the Activity tab on our mobile app.

      To address your concerns, we have added a credit of $5.00 to your account for the reported miscounts, based on the total youve provided of 500 containers expected to be counted.

      We understand that you may not wish to continue using the program, but should you change your mind or encounter any discrepancies in the future, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team. They are available every day from 8 AM to 6 PM via email at ******************************* or by phone at **************.
    • Initial Complaint

      Date:11/22/2023

      Type:Customer Service Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Green bag counting fees more than doubled in less than a year while services have drastically declined. No notification from BottleDrop regarding the jacked up fee schedule. You go drop your cans off & sometimes they arent credited to your account for a couple days. No excuse. Hire people. PEOPLE NEED TO EAT MORE THAN YOU NEED MORE GOLD IN YOUR POCKET

      Business Response

      Date: 11/22/2023

      Thank you for reaching out. Processing fees only apply to our Green and Blue Bag programs, which are voluntary premium programs for returning containers. Customers can avoid paying processing fees by returning containers individually, up to 350 containers per person per day, at BottleDrop Redemption Centers. We communicate changes to our Terms and Conditions with all account holders before the change takes effect through email, online, and on our mobile app indicating a change has occurred. To ensure you are up to date on any important account changes, we recommend adding an email to your BottleDrop account.

      As of January 1, 2023, the processing fee structure changed from the flat fee of $0.40 per bag to a total of eight percent (8%) of the total refund value inside the bag, rounded down to the nearest full cent. This was the first change to the processing fee in three years. While we work very hard to keep our processing fees low and have avoided adjusting them for three years, our processing costs have increased significantly. These changes also help us continue to make major investments in the system, improving customer access by adding new drop locations to the BottleDrop network across Oregon,and ensuring that your bags are processed accurately and expediently by investing in state-of-the-art processing and counting equipment. While we strive to have all bags credited within ***** hours, we do advise customers to allow up to 7 days for processing. 

      Customer Answer

      Date: 11/22/2023

       
      Complaint: 20904798

      I am rejecting this response because:

      How much more gold do you need in your pockets? Passing off your employees pay wage on to the people actually paying for the service is shady af. Seriously, why you gotta ***** the poor?

      Doubling the bag fee to offset your costs for paying your employees a LIVING WAGE is a ***** move.

      Be less of a ****. 


      Sincerely,

      ***************************

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:10/09/2023

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      AnsweredMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      The problem is that up until the bottle drop came, there were 20 different options of places you could go in this town to return guns all the way up until 10 or 11 PM each business had at least 2 to 3 machines, there was no waiting line, it was reasonably. Easy to return cans. And a lot of people in this economy, depend on can return, especially people in poverty and the homeless, even people who work jobs and pay bills, functioning members of society depend on can return for gas for necessities sometimes. The bottle drop was presented as something that was supposed to turn it into a much easier process. The9 appeal was supposedly that it'l turn processing center. Whish means you would imagine that there would be a large amount of machines and options available, but no. Quite the opposite, literally. Three machines total one of which was out of Order But that's not even the worst of it is. There's a large lobby, the floor discussing sticky. There's one option that didn't exist anywhere else. And that is a conveyor belt where you can dump your cans out. And there's like a quick count going on, but there's a line. And that's still not even the worst of it. The worst part is these people are only open until 6 PM. Not even the fact that they close so early. But you can walk in the door wait in line. And as soon as 6 PM hits, a person walked up to me and told me. I had to leave it was over her's done. I'm sorry, but I've never walked into a business. If I'm allowed to walk in the door I'm gonna be served. Even if they're closing8, they need to not let people in the door if they're going to serve them. And then 6 PM hits. if you stood in line for an hour, you have to leave. And you know what? That wouldn't actually be all that6 if they weren't like a monopolized version of can return.. Because they opened all others in this town are not allowed to do can returns anymore within a radius. Thats monopoly. if you're going to destroy a system that worked fine in the community. At least have your doors open the same amount of time. And dontbgubtkh It's not like it's a service to the community to do the large bag drop they take like 18% of money. That is beyond ****** up. Who is profiting ? Oregon? This is disgusting and wrong and I have a suspicion this is a direct attack on lower income and disabled.

      Business Response

      Date: 10/11/2023

      Thank you for voicing your concerns about our BottleDrop Redemption Center. We fully understand the essential role can returns serve in our community.

      Our centers are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and operate 362 days a year, ensuring you have ample opportunities for returns. Furthermore, our Redemption Centers allow a generous daily return limit of 350 containers per person, surpassing the limits at retail locations. For those seeking even more flexibility, our Green *** Program provides extended drop-off times from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and facilitates returns beyond our self-service limits. Enrollment in this program is available both in-person at our center and online.

      It's also worth noting that local retailers retain the option to accept containers, even if not mandated.

       

      We genuinely regret any inconvenience you've encountered. Rest assured, our primary objective is to enhance, not limit, the can return process. Your insights are invaluable in helping us better serve our community.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:08/28/2023

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      ResolvedMore info

      Complaint statuses

      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I loaded a green bag with exactly 100 cans & turned it in. I was expecting a credit of $7.20 from the 100 cans. $2.00 for the bags, $.80 for the 8% handling fee. What I received was $6.74. I tied the top of the bag tight so no cans could inadvertently fall out. Bottle Drop is either sloppy at counting or somebody at Bottle Drop stole 5 cans. I will continue to count the cans I put in the green bags and if this continues to happens again I will file a criminal complaint.

      Business Response

      Date: 09/07/2023

      Thank you for speaking with one of our customer service agents on September 4th about your issue. Please reach out to us at the contact information provided if you need further assistance.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 09/08/2023

       
      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

      Sincerely,

      *******************

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