The possession of used liquor bottles by any person other than the person who empties the contents thereof is prohibited except in the following circumstances:

(a) The owner or occupant of any premises on which the used bottles have been lawfully emptied may assemble the bottles on such premises—

(1) For delivery to a bottler or importer on specific request of that bottler or importer;

(2) For destruction, either on the premises on which the bottles are emptied or elsewhere, including disposition for purposes that will result in the bottles being rendered unusable as bottles; or

(3) In the case of unusual or distinctive bottles, for disposition or sale as collectors' items or for other purposes not involving the packaging of any product for sale;

(b) Any person may possess, offer for sale, or sell unusual or distinctive bottles for purposes not involving the packaging of any product for sale; and

(c) Any person may assemble used liquor bottles for the purpose of recycling or reclaiming the glass or other approved liquor bottle material.

(26 U.S.C. 5301)