It happens every spring. You open the garage door, take one look at the corner behind the lawn chairs, and sigh. That’s usually where the empties live — bags and boxes of cans and bottles nobody got around to returning.
Before you haul everything to the curb or shove it deeper into storage, stop for a second. Those empties are worth actual cash. And this year, cashing them in is easier than ever across Upstate New York.
Why Should I Redeem My Empties Before Decluttering?
Think about it this way: every can and bottle sitting in your basement is a nickel you already paid for. Tossing them out or recycling them curbside means giving that money away for nothing.
Spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to finally deal with the pile. You’re already digging through closets and garages anyway, so why not turn that clutter into cash while you’re at it?
A few good reasons to redeem now:
- You free up real space in your home, garage, or shed
- You get paid for something you’d otherwise throw away
- You skip the smell, the bugs, and the sticky mess that builds up over time
- You can donate your refund to a local cause instead of pocketing it
Where Can I Redeem Bottles and Cans in Upstate New York?
Unlimited Redemption runs 15 bottle and can redemption centers across Upstate New York, and every one of them is conveniently located inside a Beer Universe store. That means no separate trip, no weird side lot, and no waiting outside in the rain with garbage bags full of cans.
You’ll find a location in:
- Albany
- Coxsackie
- Amsterdam
- Kingston
- Saugerties
- Schenectady – Kelton
- Schenectady – Union
- Troy – 5th Ave
- Troy – Northern
- Troy – Hoosick
- Wynantskill
- Malta
- Saratoga
- Queensbury
- Wilton
With 15 spots spread across the region, there’s a good chance one of them is closer to you than you think.
👉 Find Your Nearest Unlimited Redemption Center Across 15 Upstate NY Locations
Do I Have to Drive My Empties In, or Can Someone Pick Them Up?
Both options are on the table. You can load up the car and drop your empties off at any of the 15 locations. Or, if you’ve got a serious backlog, you can schedule a pickup and let someone else do the heavy lifting.
That second option is a lifesaver during spring cleaning season, especially if you’re clearing out a garage, a rental property, or an event venue with a serious stockpile of cans and bottles.
👉 Schedule Your Spring Bottle & Can Pickup Across Upstate NY
Can I Turn My Empties Into a Fundraiser for My Community?
Yes, and this is where it gets interesting. Instead of pocketing your redemption cash, you can direct it toward a local group or organization. Unlimited Redemption supports fundraising for all kinds of community partners, including:
- Religious organizations and congregations
- Boy Scout troops and youth clubs
- Bars, restaurants, and golf courses
- Police associations and local government offices
- Colleges and regional hospitals
So that bag of cans in your trunk could end up funding a scout troop’s camping trip or supporting your local police association. It costs you nothing extra — you’re just redirecting money you’d have earned anyway.
👉 Start a Bottle Drive Fundraiser for Your Local Community Group
How Do I Get Started This Spring?
Getting started is about as simple as it gets. Gather up your bottles and cans from wherever they’ve been hiding, then pick whichever works better for you:
- Visit one of the 15 Unlimited Redemption locations inside Beer Universe stores
- Schedule a pickup and skip the drive entirely
- Choose to keep the cash or donate it to a local cause
That’s it. No sorting nightmares, no long lines, no hassle. Just an empty garage and a little extra cash — or a nice boost for a group in your community.
This spring, before you fill up another dumpster or make ten trips to the donation bin, take a minute to clear out the empties first. It’s the one part of decluttering that actually pays you back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all 15 locations accept both bottles and cans?
Yes. Every Unlimited Redemption location inside a Beer Universe store accepts eligible bottles and cans for redemption.
How does the pickup service work?
Simply schedule a pickup instead of driving in. It’s ideal for large quantities from garages, events, or businesses.
Can my organization set up ongoing fundraising, not just a one-time drop-off?
Yes. Unlimited Redemption works with community groups on an ongoing basis, not just single donations.
Is there a minimum amount needed to schedule a pickup?
Pickup details vary by load size and location, so it’s best to reach out directly to confirm specifics for your area.
