PORTLAND – For the first time since the enactment of Oregon’s famous Bottle Bill law in 1972, consumers will soon have the opportunity to return bottles and cans to a recycling center instead of a grocery store. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has unanimously approved the first redemption center for redeemable bottles and cans. It will be located in Wood Village and is set to open in July. The center will be operated by Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) which is owned by local and national distributors. “We’re thrilled to get this first Bottle Drop approved and ready to open,” said Alisa Shifflett, OBRC Redemption Center Project Manager. “Our goal is to make it easier for consumers to return cans and bottles while also strengthening Oregon’s Bottle Bill.” The new Bottle Drop will simplify the bottle deposit system for Oregonians. For starters, the new facility will feature the EZ Drop system, which allows consumers to drop off their redeemable bottles and cans in a labeled bag. The redeeambles will be counted and consumers will receive the credit amount on a plastic card, similar to a gift card. The card can be exchanged for cash or merchandise at nearby stores. The centers will also have employees ready to hand count small amounts of bottles and cans and immediately return deposit money to consumers. In addition, the centers will have new reverse vending machines for consumers to use. The machines will be faster and more user-friendly than the machines in use today. OBRC will be partnering with Fred Meyer, Safeway and Wal-Mart to inform their customers about the new facility and conveniences it will offer. Once the redemption center is officially open, the participating stores in the Wood Village area will no longer take redeemable containers.