Patrons redeem containers for groceries with an extra 20 percent per recyclable item.
Grocery shoppers can now turn their nickel deposit on soda, water and beer containers into six cents at Newport Ave. Market through a new program called BottleDropPLUS. The program is in association with the new BottleDrop Redemption Center located at 755 NE Second Street the site of the former Salvation Army center.
The new redemption center experience offers a cleaner, faster experience for visitors and the store alike. No more trips to the “bottle room!” Shoppers can take advantage of the new BottleDropPLUS program by signing up for a BottleDrop account. The Account allows the shopper to drop off their containers and let the BottleDrop center do the counting. The refund amount is then added to the shoppers account balance for withdrawal at a later time. Just drop and go!
The BottleDropPLUS program is an exclusive pilot program offered through Newport Avenue by way of a special in-store kiosk. The kiosk allows the shopper to trade their cash value for an in-store Newport Ave. Market credit worth 20% more.
How does this calculate for customers? The math: BottleDrop account transfer amount: $15.00, PLUS retailer bonus: $3.00 = Total store credit value: $18.00
The BottleDrop Centers are operated and funded by Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) in partnership with participating grocery retailers. OBRC is a member-owned, cooperative corporation that acts on behalf of beverage distributors to administrate Oregon’s bottle bill, collecting and processing over 98% of all containers sold and redeemed throughout Oregon. With over 20 years of experience in bottle bill operations, OBRC picks up from nearly 3,000 grocery stores then counts, sorts, crushes, bales and recycles millions of containers a day. The entire process is funded and managed by the beverage and the retail industries – at no cost to the taxpayer. Shoppers can still opt for self-serve machines at the Center or request a hand count for quantities of 50 or less containers.
“We are excited to offer a more creative and simplified, sanitary approach to recycling containers for our customers,” says Lauren G. R. Johnson, Leader of the Pack (vroom!) and COO at Newport Ave. Market. We feel the convenience factor is huge for our customers and allows them to redeem their account balance for six cents per container boosting their buying power by 20%,” added Johnson.
About Newport Ave. Market
Family-owned since 1976, Newport Avenue Market has become a popular grocery and specialty food destination for residents and tourists alike. It is well known for its “live locally, eat globally” attitude and strong commitment to providing top quality products and customer-focused services in an environment that is unique, inviting and fun to shop in. The store has been voted “Best of Central Oregon” 15 times by The Source Weekly and awarded “Top 50 Retailer” by The Gourmet Retailer, “Leadership in Composting Award” by the Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association, “Deli of Distinction” by Boar’s Head, “Business of the Year” by the Bend Chamber of Commerce, Co-owner Debbie Dory was named “2013 Woman of the Year” by the National Grocers Association, and most recently, the store was awarded “Overall Outstanding Operator, Single-Store” by Progressive Grocer Independent (PGI).
