Does Costco have bottles and returns? (full guide)
Recycling can have a major impact on protecting the environment, which is why many large retailers have started recycling programs.
So you might be wondering if Costco has the bottle and can return it. I did some digging and here’s what I found about recycling at Costco!
Does Costco have bottles and returns?
Costco does have a bottle and recycling machine for recycling, which can be found in most Costco parking lots. When using the Costco recycling machine, customers can earn money by returning and recycling empty bottles and cans, up to $0.10 per item in some states.
For more information on how to use and return your Costco bottles, and where to find your local recycling center, read on!
What type of bottle and can machines does Costco use?
Typically, Costcos that offer bottles that can be returned will have a designated recycling microsite, usually in their parking lot, that only takes up two parking spaces.
Costco is known to partner with Nexcycle to operate their bottle and can recycling center.
According to online recyclers, Costco tends to offer Tomra T-53 machines for their bottles, and returns are available. It’s a reverse vending machine with a color screen and two separate recycling areas for bottles and cans.
How can I use a Costco bottle and can I return it?
After the bottle is located and can be returned at Costco, simply load the bottle and can into the correct designated section of the machine.
Once you start adding bottles/cans (make sure you put bottles and cans on the bottom first) there will be a total amount earned per can.
Then, after you’ve put all your bottles and cans into the machine, you can press the green button to generate a receipt, which you can then redeem within Costco.
If Costco’s recycling machines are full or unavailable, you can take your bottle and return to the customer service desk inside Costco to have them exchange your money.
Plus, you don’t need to be a Costco member to redeem the cans.
How many bottles and cans can I return to Costco?
Depending on your state, there may be a limit to the number of bottles and cans you can return to Costco on one visit.
For example, in California, customers are only allowed to return 50 cans per visit per day. To make sure you can return bottles and cans, please contact your local Costco for guidelines.
How much money can I make recycling bottles and cans at Costco?
Depending on your state, how much money you can make recycling bottles and cans. 5c to 10c per bottle or can.
Some states, such as California and Michigan, have higher payment rates for bottle and can returns, meaning customers can earn around 10 cents per can.
That equates to $3.20 per pound of can or bottle, which means that Costco returns on bottles and cans can be very lucrative in some states.
How can I find the bottle and return it at a Costco in my area?
The easiest way to find out if your local Costco carries the bottle and can return it is to contact them in-store or through customer service. Costco staff will be able to advise you where the nearest bottle is and can be returned.
Additionally, sites like Recycle Nation and Earth911 have search bars that use your zip code to find specific types of recycling items in a specific area, such as bottle or can recycling.
Does Costco promote recycling?
Yes, Costco is committed to making its products more sustainable and contributing to environmental causes.
Costco’s suppliers support recycling programs and organizations, such as Keep America Beautiful, to help with recycling efforts.
Does Costco use recycled packaging?
In addition to supporting recycling organizations, Costco is committed to its goals of reducing packaging waste from operations and providing sustainable packaging to its members.
Costco has implemented recycled packaging for many of its products, including 100% recycled pizza boxes for its Food Court products, drugstore and e-commerce shipping boxes that use customer bags, and are now also 100% recycled content.
Kirkland-branded items sold at Costco are also greener, including better, more sustainable packaging for items like water bottles, dog teethers and facial tissues.
If you want to learn more about returns, you can check out our related posts, If Costco Sells Dry Ice, Does Target Have Returns, and Does Walmart Have Returns.
in conclusion
Yes, Costco is able to deliver bottles and they can be returned at some of their stores through their recycling microsites, which are usually located in their parking lots. Here, customers can return their bottles and cans and earn a small fee, which they can redeem at Costco stores.
Recycling programs vary by state, so contact your local Costco before you travel to find out what recycling services they offer.
