refundable bottles

[rɪˈfʌndəbəl ˈbɑːtəlz]
nounpl: refundable bottles
garrafas retornáveis
1. bottles that can be returned to a store or distributor in exchange for a monetary refund or deposit return
Many grocery stores offer refundable bottles for beverages to encourage recycling and reduce plastic waste.
Muitos supermercados oferecem garrafas retornáveis para bebidas para encorajar a reciclagem e reduzir o desperdício de plástico.
2. containers with a deposit value that is returned when the empty bottle is brought back to the point of sale
In some countries, refundable bottles are part of a deposit system that incentivizes consumers to return packaging.
Em alguns países, as garrafas retornáveis fazem parte de um sistema de depósito que incentiva os consumidores a devolver as embalagens.
In Brazil, refundable bottles are an important part of informal economy where collectors (catadores) gather and return bottles for money. The system is deeply embedded in beverage distribution. In the USA and many European countries, bottle deposit systems vary by state/region, but in NYC, refundable bottles are commonly called 'returnables' and have specific deposit values established by law. This practice reflects growing environmental consciousness about plastic waste and sustainability.
NYC Slang
bottle return / returnable
Synonyms / Sinônimos
deposit bottlesreturnable bottlesreusable bottlesbottle deposits
Antonyms / Antônimos
non-refundable bottlesdisposable bottlessingle-use bottles

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
garrafas retornáveis
most common term used throughout Brazil for bottles with deposit returns
São Paulo
garrafas retornáveis / garrafas com depósito
both terms are used interchangeably in commercial settings
Rio de Janeiro
garrafas retornáveis
standard usage, particularly in informal contexts
Portugal
garrafas retornáveis / embalagens reutilizáveis
Portuguese uses similar terminology with emphasis on environmental reuse

Related Words

bottle deposit systemrecycling programcontainer returnbeverage containerssustainability

Related Idioms & Phrases

return a bottle for deposit
cash in bottles
bottle redemption program
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