2 bottle return events.
10 hours. 68,000 returns!

The first event brought in 15,000 returns. Six months later? News travels! The second event drew 52,000 returns!

These two grant-funded return events were held at Patterson Park in southeast Baltimore. As residents brought their returned containers, each container was counted and added to the “River of Recyclables”, creating a long, winding, brightly-colored “river” installation, visible to all traveling the intersecting streets along the park’s southwest corner. After counting and answering a short survey, contributors received 5 cents for each return. The survey information was later used to testify in support of the Bottle Bill to state government in Annapolis, MD.

Bottle bills encourage recycling and reduce litter. They require a refundable deposit on certain recyclable beverage containers, which can be returned for a refund. The amount of the deposit varies by state and container type, but is usually between 5 and 15 cents.

These events involved design, promotion, volunteer recruitment, permitting, and flier distribution among other tasks.

Baltimore residents, backing the Bottle bill.