Why does cumberland farms charge a bottle deposit but won't take them back for return Is this illegal or just a rip off of the consumer Do I need to contact ct consumer affairs dept?

Answer 1

You know, many unfair practices continue to go on because of companies that lack social responsibility, and/or ethical practices. What's worse, people just go along with it! There may be a good reason for the deposit however, if you are suspect that this is a rip-off, I would go ahead and contact consumer affairs and get to the bottom of this. I applaud your standing up and taking them to task. All of us should do the same when we are suspicious of inappropriate business practices. Businesses must be accountable for what they sell and how they sell it. That - once again - is social responsibility. Best wishes! A) I believe there are in place various recycling laws per State which require the manufacturer to charge these fees where appropriate. Further, these fees are reimbursed to the consumer once the consumer redeems the item at a 'deposit refunding facility' (Example: State of Michigan has several of these refund facilities at various grocery stores and recycling locations). B) I believe other States not using these methods require the manufacture to sell the item at a deposit reduced price if their recycling program is different or non-existant. C) In any case, to keep production material costs down, the manufacturer only makes one same-type-item bottle for mass distribution to all vendors in all States and locations beyond. D) Test: Try taking refundable recyclables from one State without a cash-out program to another State with a cash-out program: if you did not pay a deposit originally, chances are near 100% for the 'recyclee' (you) to receive a 'cash-out deposit' in 'undeserved' free money. E) Contact your State Consumer Affairs Department or State Attorney General to verify your options as a Consumer vs. the Manufacturer. Your success could be a verification, forced pricing restructurization, fine issuance, or even an apology and free product coupons from whichever given manufacturer.