Bottle Return
BottleDropThis business is NOT BBB Accredited.
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Complaints
This profile includes complaints for BottleDrop's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see
Customer Complaints Summary
- 18 total complaints in the last 3 years.
- 5 complaints closed in the last 12 months.
If you've experienced an issue
Submit a ComplaintThe 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.
Initial Complaint
Date:07/22/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus: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 am a deaf man since birth. I dropped my cans in the parking lot so u ran inside to grab a cart so I can put all the cans inside that cuz I had no other bags, a man that was working ran out proceeded to point his finger in my face and scream at me,I don't know what he was saying but he was mad I could see on his face, I put my hands out to keep him arms distance away as I tried to explain to him I'm deaf I don't understand u. He continued to point and yell, then I got angry and started to yell loudly I don't understand u m*********** I'm deaf stop screaming in my face another male worker came out and he was calm he slowly explain to me we not allowed to take those green carts out of the building,. Oh I didn't know that. I was still angry telling the nice man what the f*** that other guy problem ,why he come at me like that no reason?!! That mean guy smile laughing at me so I push the cart right at him tell him f*** you.. then he say that's it your kicked out for 1 year!! Tell me leave property now or he calling cops. That crazy how he treat me, no respect, then kick me out 1 year.. I go there every day never have problem for years.. they treat all the homeless people real bad there too no respect at all. Please better train them to respect people and not come straight out yelling and pointing in faces. I've been kicked out for almost 3 weeks now, I turn in cans to sae up get my surgery so I can hear, the "cocular implant" I need to be able to return my cans I been deaf 38 years I want to be able to hear if I can't turn in my cans I will never be able to hear all my life.. I been able save up ***** so far I need couple more years save up. Please make them let me go backCustomer Answer
Date: 07/23/2025
I forgot additional information. After this incident 7 different people came to me and tell me that same guy is always angry and mean to everyone and if you talk back he kicks them out for 1 year, he has kicked out 15 people in the last 3 weeks for 1 year, that's alot of business being lost for the company because of some guys ego. Also they tell me he said if he see me or anyone else he kicked out give our cans to other person to turn in for us he will kick that person out too and keep our cans.. he say he the manager there , he tall big *****..
Desired Outcome: If he treat all homeless and disabled people this way just because he think he better then us he needs to be firedBusiness Response
Date: 08/02/2025
We understand your concern about being excluded from the Bend Redemption Center. We are committed to making all our locations accessible and welcoming to individuals of all backgrounds, incomes, and abilities.
After a thorough review of the incident, including staff statements and CCTV footage, a six-month exclusion was issued for this location in accordance with our policies. While there may have been some confusion regarding the duration, you are welcome to return on or after December 17,2025.
We take the safety of our customers and employees seriously.This exclusion was issued due to concerning behavior during your visit on June 16, 2025, which was perceived as threatening by staff.
At the same time, we recognize the importance of how these situations are handled. We will continue to train and support our staff to ensure interactions remain respectful and that they are prepared to defuse tense situations whenever possible.
To help avoid misunderstandings in the future, we have confirmed that signage is clearly posted at the Bend Redemption Center stating that customer carts may not be removed from the property.
In the meantime, you may redeem containers using the self-serve machines or hand counts at several nearby retailers, including but not limited to Cost Plus World Market, Dicks Sporting Goods, and Dollar Tree.We recommend checking with store staff to confirm each locations return limits. You may also use our BottleDrop Green Bag program at the Bend Albertsons or **** ***** Express locations.
To discuss this incident or other issues, you may reach our customer service team directly at ************** every day from 8 AM to 6 PM, or by email at ********************************Customer Answer
Date: 08/08/2025
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:05/28/2025
Type:Billing IssuesStatus: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 was supposed to get transferred into the Oregon able account savings plan. But the money has not been received by my account And it's been longer than 4 weeks on the other deposit and usually that's what they say it takes but it's been beyond the four weeks and I have not seen a positive transfer into my account they able account the 529 contributionBusiness Response
Date: 06/04/2025
Thank you for corresponding with us via email and for allowing us to review your account and transfer details. Were glad we had the opportunity to review and clarify the details of your account. Please reach out to us at the contact information provided if you need further assistance.Initial Complaint
Date:01/28/2025
Type:Service or Repair IssuesStatus: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 IssuesStatus: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 IssuesStatus: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 IssuesStatus: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 IssuesStatus: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 IssuesStatus: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 IssuesStatus: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 IssuesStatus: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 POCKETBusiness 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,
***************************
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