Plaid Pantry CEO says employees endangered, wants bottle recycling laws changed
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After two Portland stores whose bottle drop programs have been paused for the last month, one of the retailers is calling for permanent changes to the bottle bill to stop the drug use and other issues his staff have seen.
The president of Plaid Pantry said the issues with in-store bottle recycling are harming his staff, particularly those who work overnight.
Plaid Pantry is open 24 hours a day. Jonathan Polonsky said his overnight staff are swarmed by several people at a time who want to exchange bottles for cash.
Jeff Gianola makes 1960s ‘KOIN Kitchen’ jello salad
He said since the Plaid Pantry at Southwest 11th Avenue and Jefferson became exempt from bottle returns, that store didn’t have as many safety issues. However, Polonsky claimed those problems have moved to the store that is five or so blocks away.
The store owner said many times people are in various stages of intoxication and Plaid Pantry employees often quit, saying they don’t feel safe.
The problem stems from how cheaply some drugs can be attained. Several people who conduct outreach said one pill of fentanyl can cost as little as 50¢. Retailers are required to take bottles when they are open under the bottle bill, refunding the 10¢ per bottle or can.
What Oregon stores, restaurants are open for Easter 2024?
Polonsky wants the State of Oregon to change that requirement to something that would end collections at 6 p.m.
“More and more people are getting more desperate and plaid pantries are open 24-seven. Most places are not. And so when there’s nowhere else to go at two in the morning, that’s where people show up and we have to deal with it,” he said.
The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, which runs the BottleDrop program, says it supports modernizing its policies. They said in part:
“We support efforts to address this crisis through enforcement against those who are dealing these highly-addictive illicit substances on our streets, and efforts to provide treatment and recovery for those who suffer from addiction.”
Polonsky said he supports the bottle bill and doesn’t want to get rid of it entirely. He and OBRC point to the company supporting the bottle bill when it passed in 1971.
The OLCC said the suspension of the individual container returns at the Safeway store at SW 10th and Jefferson will continue until May 1, 2024.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
