N.Y. Hannaford Stores Getting Bottle Redemption Sites

Bottle redemption company Clynk plans to double its grocery store presence with 51 new drop locations at Hannaford stores across the greater Capital Region of New York. This expansion comes in the wake of positive feedback from Hannaford customers at the 49 Maine stores where the service is already offered.

Clynk offers an easy bag-drop system that eliminates waiting in line and separating containers by material type. Shoppers return a filled Clynk bag directly to Hannaford; within two business days, Clynk processes the returned bags, and deposits in the customer’s free, personalized account funds, which can be redeemed at the store for cash or groceries, or donated electronically to community organizations, via the Hannaford Community Cash program. Community Cash partners can also hold ongoing “virtual bottle drives” to raise funds for a group by supplying Clynk bags to supporters. Over the past three years, the program has raised more than $1 million for various Maine charities.

After receiving 10 free bags when they sign up to take part in Clynk, customers pay only for additional Clynk bags, which are inexpensive and recyclable.

“Our goal at Clynk has always been to provide an easier bottle redemption option for both our users and our partners,” said Clayton Kyle, founder and CEO of the Portland, Maine-based company. “Expanding into New York will give more people access to a cleaner, faster bottle-return service, enhancing their overall store experience.”

Scarborough, Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets, a Delhaize America banner, operates 189 stores in in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, and employs more than 27,000 associates.