Bottle Deposit Calculator — How Much Are Your Cans Worth?
TL;DR: Bottle deposits range from 5¢ to 15¢ depending on state — 5¢ in NY, CA, MA, IA, HI; 10¢ in MI, OR, CT; and 5–15¢ in ME and VT. To calculate your refund, multiply your container count by your state's rate (e.g., 500 cans × $0.05 in New York = $25.00). Use the interactive calculator below for any state and container count.
Last updated: February 2026
Enter your state and how many containers you have. The calculator shows exactly how much your bottles and cans are worth in deposit refunds.
$5.00
100 containers × 5¢ each
That's about 1 kitchen bag of cans
Quick Reference Table
Containers
5¢ States
10¢ States
15¢ (ME/VT liquor)
50
$2.50
$5.00
$7.50
100
$5.00
$10.00
$15.00
200
$10.00
$20.00
$30.00
500
$25.00
$50.00
$75.00
1,000
$50.00
$100.00
$150.00
2,000
$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
5,000
$250.00
$500.00
$750.00
Deposit Rates by State
State
Standard Rate
Special Rates
New York
5¢
—
Michigan
10¢
—
Oregon
10¢
—
Connecticut
10¢
—
California
5¢
10¢ for 24oz+
Massachusetts
5¢
—
Maine
5¢
15¢ wine/liquor
Vermont
5¢
15¢ liquor
Iowa
5¢
—
Hawaii
5¢
—
Don't Want to Count by Hand?
Use your phone camera to count bottles and cans automatically. Just slide them past the screen — CNTEM'UP counts every one.
When you buy a beverage in a bottle deposit state, the store adds a small deposit (5-15¢) to the price. This deposit is fully refundable when you return the empty container to a redemption location.
The deposit is per container, not per ounce or per pound. A tiny 8oz soda can and a large 2-liter bottle each get the same deposit in most states. That means collecting smaller containers is more efficient — you get the same refund for less weight and space.
Maximizing Your Earnings
Count before you go — Use CNTEM'UP so you know your exact payout. Don't let a center undercount you.
Focus on 10¢ states — Michigan, Oregon, and Connecticut pay double. If you're near a state border, redeem where rates are higher (with containers purchased in that state).
Collect from events — Concerts, festivals, and sporting events generate hundreds of empties in one location.
Build relationships — Ask local bars, restaurants, and apartment buildings if you can collect their empties regularly.
Sort at home — Pre-sorted loads get processed faster at redemption centers. See our guide on how to count cans fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a bottle deposit worth?
Deposits range from 5¢ to 15¢ depending on your state. NY, CA, MA, IA, and HI charge 5¢. MI, OR, and CT charge 10¢. Maine and Vermont charge up to 15¢ for wine and liquor bottles.
How much are 100 cans worth?
$5.00 in 5-cent states, $10.00 in 10-cent states. In Maine, 100 wine/liquor bottles at 15¢ each = $15.00.
How do I calculate my bottle deposit refund?
Multiply your container count by your state's deposit rate. Example: 500 cans × $0.05 (New York) = $25.00. Or use the calculator at the top of this page.
Are all containers eligible for deposit refund?
No. Most states exclude milk, infant formula, meal replacement drinks, and containers over 1 gallon. Wine and liquor bottles are only covered in some states (Maine, Vermont, Oregon). Check your state's specific rules.
Can I get more than the deposit amount?
No — the deposit refund is fixed. However, aluminum cans also have scrap value (~$0.50/lb or about 1.5¢/can). In non-deposit states, scrap is your only option. In deposit states, always redeem for the deposit — it's 3-7x more than scrap value.