SOLVE Featured in BottleDrop's 2026 Hidden Bottle Hunt
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
We're excited SOLVE is the featured nonprofit for BottleDrop's 2026 Hidden Bottle Hunt, a statewide summer tradition that celebrates Oregon's environmental legacy while encouraging people to get outside and explore.
Now in its sixth year, the Hidden Bottle Hunt returns June 25–28. Each day, the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, who operates the BottleDrop network, will release clues leading participants to six commemorative bottles hidden in parks, trails, and public spaces across Oregon. This year's bottle design honors SOLVE and the shared history between our organization and Oregon's landmark Bottle Bill.
A Shared Commitment to Cleaner Communities
Founded by Governor Tom McCall, SOLVE has spent decades bringing communities together to care for our environment through volunteer-led litter cleanups and restoration projects. Governor McCall also signed Oregon's Bottle Bill into law in 1971, establishing the nation's first beverage container redemption system and helping shape Oregon's long-standing commitment to keeping our natural spaces clean.
"Oregon’s Bottle Bill and SOLVE were both created with an intent to protect and preserve Oregon’s scenic beauty now and for generations to come,” said Devon Horsfield, vice president of strategy and outreach for OBRC. “We have a longstanding partnership with SOLVE, as both of our organizations strive to prevent and reduce litter throughout the state. Together, we hope to inspire Oregonians of all ages to get out on the trails and explore our incredible public lands during this year’s hunt. As you search for hidden bottles, keep an eye out for litter, too, and let’s leave Oregon even better than we found it!"
"We celebrate Oregon every day and are thrilled to be a part of its environmental legacy," said Kris Carico, Chief Executive Officer of SOLVE. "The Hidden Bottle Hunt is a great way for individuals and families to get outside and enjoy our beautiful state while searching for hidden treasures. Good luck to all participants!"
The Hidden Bottle Hunt consists of six separate, simultaneous hunts located throughout Oregon. The lucky winner who discovers a commemorative bottle will get to keep the bottle and select a nonprofit partner (hopefully SOLVE ;) ) to receive a $1,000 donation through BottleDrop's Containers for Change program.
We even have limited-edition merch available in our shop.
Join the fun, and sign up to receive alerts when clues drop: BottleDrop.com/Hunt
Celebrating 55 Years of the Bottle Bill
July marks the 55th anniversary of Oregon's Bottle Bill, which Governor Tom McCall signed into law on July 2, 1971. The Bottle Bill created the nation's first beverage container redemption system, providing a refund value for eligible beverage containers and helping keep bottles and cans out of forests, rivers, beaches, scenic byways, and other natural areas.
More than five decades later, Oregon's Bottle Bill remains a national model for recycling and litter prevention. In 2025, Oregonians returned more than 2 billion beverage containers, achieving a preliminary redemption rate of 90.9%.
Join Community Cleanup & Recycling Events
As you head out in search of this year's hidden bottles, we encourage you to help care for Oregon's special places by picking up any litter you encounter along the way. Every piece collected helps protect the landscapes and waterways we all enjoy.
One way to easily get involved is joining one of the monthly Community Cleanups & Recycling events. On June 25, it is your chance to help create a cleaner, greener Klamath Falls! Join SOLVE and The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative to beautify the neighborhood by removing trash and recycling bottles and cans found during the effort. Also your chance to fin one of the hidden bottles.
Participants can learn more about the Hidden Bottle Hunt and sign up for daily clue reminders.
