New changes to Oregon’s bottle bill could have big impacts on Bend’s central district

(Update: Adding video, comments from business owners)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- The Oregon State Legislature approved updates to the state's 1971 bottle bill, as concerns grow over late-night deposits. Senate Bill 992 allows grocery stores and convenience stores with bottle returns to refuse returns during nighttime hours. Many say later deposits have opened up areas to open-air drug markets and bringing more homeless to the area.

"It does attract people who hang out or loiter, and generate income. And it does have a negative public perception, and it does have genuine safety concerns," said Brad Irwin, owner of Oregon Spirit Distillery.

Business owners in Bend's newly revitalized central district say the nearby bottle drop has brought danger to the area for years.

Stephen Payer, works at Les Newman's nearby, "I haven't been threatened. I haven't heard of anybody being murdered over there. But, you know, drug deals go down and it's tragic, but I don't know what the answer is. "

That danger could soon grow worse after legislators passed Senate Bill 992 last week.

The bill modernizes the state's 1971 bottle bill, which charges consumers a 10-cent deposit on each bottle or can. And pays the deposit back when it's returned. 

But the city of Bend has only one Bottle Drop, right in the center of the area's homelessness. Its drop-off window is open until 10 p.m.

Brad Irwin said his employees have been affected for years by the dangers at night, "I don't let people work alone at night because of what happens, you know, after 8:00 pm. And, we would like to see the area feel safer, safer to clients, to people who come and visit us."

Denise Auzins was dropping off her cans at the Bottle Drop center Friday afternoon, "I feel fine. I've interacted with homeless people and given them things, and they don't bother you here. But, I would be worried about coming after dark."

The deposits are sometimes the only income the homeless in the area receive, and if stores in Bend decide to close early, it leaves only one area left for them to go.

"I want to empathize with those people struggling. It's a really difficult problem. It's just hard when it affects your business," said Irwin.

Both Bend residents and business owners told KTVZ they believe the Bottle Drop should be moved from the area, even suggesting more centers be opened. It's still unclear if Governor Tina Kotek will sign the bill after it passed both the House and Senate.