HI 5 Facts

Got questions about the HI-5 Deposit Beverage Container program? We have the answers!

If you weigh your recyclables, see below for the segregated rate for HI-5 deposit beverage containers (aluminum cans, steel and bi-metal cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles).

HI-5 Deposit Pricing Information

(Each container has a deposit value of 5 cents) Deposit values set by the State Department of Health.

By law, HI-5 deposit containers must be free from free-flowing liquid, and foreign material.

HI5 Program Facts

The State Department of Health has provided the following information concerning the difference between weighing or counting your recyclables.

Facts About the HI 5 Program’s Weighing and Counting Options

The Department of Health (DOH) would like to ensure that the public receives the correct information regarding the calculation of deposit beverage container refunds based on count or weight.

Under DOH rules, certified redemption center site operators must inspect each customer’s load of containers to verify eligibility and quantity. Operators will then pay refunds either by physically counting or weighing the load. The department inspects redemption centers to ensure proper procedures. If a customer has 200 containers or less, the operator must count the load upon customer request. If a customer has more than 200 containers, the operator has the option to count or to weigh. If the operator chooses to weigh the containers, the refund will be determined using a conversion rate (also called a “segregated” rate) determined by the DOH. Because the conversion rates are averages, the customer may receive more or less refund than they expect, depending on the size and weight of the containers. The Department of Health established the current conversion rates based on a statistical study of actual redemption loads in November 2007.

The program allows for two methods of deposit redemption to provide customers with more options and increased convenience. There are pros and cons for both methods. Counting results in more accurate refunds, but takes longer. Weighing is more convenient, but less accurate. Customers must decide which method is best for them. To help you decide, we have provided the pros and cons facts sheet below.

If you have questions, you may contact our office at (808) 586-4226.

HI-5 Deposit Beverage Container Program – Count vs. Weight: Pros and Cons Fact Sheet

The HI-5 deposit beverage container program allows for two methods of deposit redemption. There are pros and cons to both methods.

Counting

• Consumers may request that the recycler count their containers.
• Recyclers must count loads up to 200 containers.
• Consumers with larger loads may ask the recycler if they are willing to count larger loads during a less busy part of the day.
• Recyclers may count loads larger than 200 containers.

Pro: Consumers get back the deposit on every container.

Con: Consumers spend more time in line while waiting for operators to count loads.

Weighing

• Consumers may request their containers be weighed for redemption.
• A segregated rate is used to calculate deposit refunds on weighed loads of containers.
• The segregated rate is an average number of containers per pound by material type (plastic, glass, aluminum), multiplied by the deposit. The average will not convert each load's weight to a precise count.
• The purpose of the weighing option is to provide a convenient way to get refunds back on large loads (Loads too large to reasonably count and/or wait to be counted).
• Beginning May 1, 2007, DOH is offering a higher rate for aluminum and glass that is the average of 12 oz containers only.
• Beginning June 1, 2007, a special small plastic rate is also being offered for plastic containers 17 oz. or less.

Pro: Consumers spend less time waiting in line for deposit refunds.

Con: Consumers may receive more or less refund than they expected.

Download the above "Facts About the HI 5 Program’s Weighing and Counting Options" document