Maine Governor Inaugurates New Bottle Redemption System

Maine Gov. John Baldacci has inaugurated a new system designed to streamline returnable beverage container processing. The new system, owned and operated by South-Portland, Maine-based CLYNK, can process more than 100 million returnable containers per year, the company says.

According to CLYNK CEO Clayton Kyle, the new processing system, installed at a cost of $1.1 million, will allow CLYNK to handle increased volume more efficiently and use less energy and disposable materials. CLYNK currently manages returnables processing at 33 Hannaford supermarkets in Maine. That number is expected to grow to as many as 46 by the end of the year.

CLYNK customers create accounts online or at participating Hannaford stores. Special bar-coded tags and collection bags allow users to bag their returnable containers and drop them off at CLYNK redemption centers. From there, the bags are transported to South Portland, where the new system scans them and credits return fees to the customers’ accounts.

At the official ceremony Baldacci remarked, “The partnership of Hannaford Supermarkets and CLYNK makes it easier and quicker for customers to recycle. Handling returnable containers through redemption centers and automated return systems such as CLYNK keep beverage containers from becoming trash along our roads and rivers.”

“Hannaford Supermarkets and CLYNK share a common goal of reducing our impact on the environment,” says Steve Culver, vice president government relations for Hannaford. “Customers who have experienced this new program absolutely love the convenience.”

More information is available at www.clynk.com.