The Hunt For Empty Beer Cans: Where To Buy Them?

Empty beer bottles and kegs are available for purchase from several online retailers, including Amazon and eBay. Local bars and liquor stores may also be able to provide empty beer bottles, and some people offer them for free on Craigslist. For those who are willing to clean and sanitise used bottles, dumpster diving or asking friends for their empties are also options.

Online retailers like Amazon and eBay

Amazon

Amazon offers a variety of empty beer bottles in different sizes, colours, and styles. For instance, you can find 12-ounce longneck beer bottles, which are the classic choice for home brewers, in packs of 24. They also offer larger 22-ounce "bomber" bottles, which are sold in packs of 12. Amazon also provides specialty bottles, such as Belgian-style bottles with a crown finish or cork finish, perfect for an authentic presentation of your Belgian beer.

Additionally, Amazon carries swing-top bottles, also known as EZ Cap bottles, in various colours like amber, cobalt, and clear. These bottles have a reusable flip-top that does not require any tools or caps for sealing. You can find these bottles in 16-ounce and 1-litre sizes.

EBay

EBay is another great source for empty beer bottles, especially if you're looking for a large quantity or specific types. For example, you can find listings for cases of 24 or 96 12-ounce amber beer bottles, which are perfect for home brewing.

Both Amazon and eBay offer a range of options when it comes to the colour, size, and style of empty beer bottles. Whether you're a home brewer or looking to get creative with glass cutting, these online retailers provide convenient sources for acquiring empty beer bottles.

Local liquor stores

If you're looking to buy empty beer bottles, your local liquor store is a great place to start. Here are some tips and suggestions for finding empty beer bottles at local liquor stores:

• Ask the staff: The staff at your local liquor store can be a valuable resource. Explain that you're looking for empty beer bottles and ask if they have any available or if they know of any sources. They may have a stock of empty bottles that they're looking to get rid of, or they might be able to point you in the right direction.
• Check their returnables: Some liquor stores have returnable bottles that customers can bring back for a refund. These bottles are often collected and stored separately from other recyclables. Ask the store if they have any returnables that you could purchase or take off their hands.
• Buy seasonals: Keep an eye out for seasonal beers that are on sale at the end of the season. Buying these beers gives you the opportunity to try new flavours at a discounted price, and you can reuse the bottles for your own purposes. This is a creative way to contribute to recycling efforts and save money on bottles.
• Visit multiple stores: Don't just limit yourself to one liquor store. Visit several stores in your area and ask about their policies regarding empty bottles. You may find that different stores have different practices, and you can increase your chances of finding a good source of empty bottles.
• Offer to buy at a premium: If the liquor store doesn't typically sell empty bottles, you can offer to buy them at a premium price. This could be an attractive proposition for the store, and they may be willing to set aside empty bottles for you or sell you their used bottles.
• Build a relationship: Get to know the staff at your local liquor store, especially if you plan on buying empty bottles regularly. Building a good relationship can lead to better deals and a more consistent supply of bottles. The staff may even keep an eye out for specific types of bottles that you're interested in.

Remember to be polite and respectful when dealing with liquor store staff, and always be mindful of their time and policies. By following these suggestions, you'll increase your chances of finding a steady supply of empty beer bottles at your local liquor stores.

Craigslist

You can also find a range of kegs on Craigslist, from pin lock to ball lock, and corny to commercial Sankey kegs. Many people have had positive experiences buying used kegs on Craigslist, but it is important to inspect and clean the kegs thoroughly before use. Some users have reported issues with scratches on the inside of the kegs, so be sure to check for this and use fine-grained sandpaper to sand them out if necessary. It is also recommended to replace the tubing, O-rings, and gaskets, as well as to test the kegs to ensure they hold pressure.

When buying commercial Sankey kegs, be aware that these are typically owned by breweries and only leased to consumers, so there is a risk of purchasing stolen goods. It is recommended to ask the seller about the history of the keg to ensure you are not buying stolen property.

Contact breweries directly

If you're looking to buy empty beer bottles, contacting breweries directly is a great option. Here are some tips and suggestions for doing so:

• Local breweries or pubs may be willing to give away or sell you their empty bottles. These businesses typically recycle their bottles, so asking them to set some aside for you is a sustainable option that keeps the bottles out of the trash.
• When contacting breweries, be polite and explain your purpose for wanting the empty bottles. Whether you're a homebrewer, collector, or crafter, they may be more inclined to help if they understand your intentions.
• Some breweries may charge a small fee for the bottles, especially if they have unique or decorative features, such as etched or painted designs. Be prepared to pay a nominal amount if necessary.
• If you're looking for a specific type of bottle (brand, size, colour, etc.), do your research beforehand. Know what you're looking for so you can make specific requests when contacting breweries.
• Keep in mind that some breweries may have policies or restrictions regarding the disposal of their bottles, so be respectful of their processes and guidelines.
• If possible, visit the breweries in person to make your request. This allows you to establish a personal connection and potentially see the bottles firsthand.
• If you can't visit in person, use their preferred contact method, which is usually listed on their website or social media pages. Be patient and wait for a response, as they may receive numerous inquiries.
• When contacting breweries, ask about the condition of the bottles. You may need to clean or remove labels from the bottles, so understanding the level of cleaning required beforehand is helpful.
• If you're looking for a large quantity of bottles, consider contacting larger commercial breweries or distributors. They may be better equipped to provide you with a bulk order.
• Don't be afraid to ask for referrals or recommendations from the breweries you contact. They may be able to direct you to other sources or individuals who can help you with your specific request.
• If you're interested in supporting local businesses, focus on contacting independent or craft breweries in your area. They may be more accessible and open to your request than larger, more prominent breweries.

Remember to be respectful and understanding of each brewery's response, as they may have different policies or limitations regarding their empty bottles. By directly contacting breweries, you can often find unique or specific bottles while also reducing waste.

Scrap yards

Kegs are valuable commodities, and they are often rented out by vendors with a deposit system in place to ensure their return. The deposit price is typically higher than the scrap value of the keg, so there is little incentive for individuals to sell them to scrap yards.

However, some individuals may try to sell stolen kegs for scrap, and scrap yard owners should be aware that these kegs have likely been obtained illegally. Brewers almost never intend for their kegs to be scrapped, and they remain the property of the brewery even after the deposit is paid.

In some states, there are laws prohibiting the scrapping of kegs or requiring clear title presented by the owner named on the keg. Despite this, there are also many states with no laws prohibiting scrap yards from accepting kegs.

The Brewers Association and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) have issued a joint statement denouncing the practice of scrapping kegs. ISRI operates a stolen metal website called ScrapTheftAlert.com, which allows brewers to report stolen kegs and notify scrap yard subscribers in the area.

Frequently asked questions