December 5, 2024
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Waste Reduction
Let's Build a
Better Bottle Bill!
Join the effort to improve bottle returns!
Less litter. Less hassle.
More Bottle Types
A Better Bottle Bill could expand the 10-cent deposit to include more bottles including water bottles, sports drinks, and more!
Returns Made Easy
Universal Redemption means you can return any bottle with a deposit to any store that sells beverages, simplifying the process and boosting participation.
Modernizing Returns
A Better Bottle Bill could invest in a more efficient system with improved technology and funding mechanisms to support long-term success.
Why We Need a New "Bottle Bill."
We’ve listened to Michiganders, and it’s clear: our iconic Bottle Bill needs an update. While the original 1978 law was a game-changer, it hasn’t kept up with the times. Redemption rates have dropped, and too many containers—like water bottles, sports drinks, and juices—aren’t included.
The need for change is undeniable. A Better Bottle Bill would build on the success of the past by expanding container coverage, simplifying returns, and ensuring unclaimed deposits fund vital programs like environmental cleanups and water security.
Here’s why it’s time for a new Bottle Bill:
Redemption Rates Are Falling
Our recycling efforts are slipping, with fewer bottles making it back. We need a new Bottle Bill to reverse this trend.
Outdated Coverage
In the 70's folks weren't really using disposable water bottles and sports drinks weren't as popular. Now we need to make sure we are covering ALL bottles and containers.
Complex Returns
People are frustrated with the confusing return process. Simplifying returns with a new Bottle Bill would make recycling easier for everyone.
Unlocking Greater Potential to do More for Our Communities
A new Bottle Bill could redirect unclaimed deposits resources to benefit our communities - from providing more access to clean water to helping fund environmental protection.
Take Action
to Support the Better Bottle Bill
Sign Petition
Make your voice heard on the Bottle Bill.
The bottle bill has been great for the State of Michigan for the past 50 years, but it’s no longer solving the problems of today. Let’s make sure our lawmakers know that we want less litter and less hassle.
Donate
Support the people-powered movement behind the Better Bottle Bill.
We don’t have the big industries behind us, we have a collection of people who want to see their communities clean and the lives made easier. Support our efforts to make a Better Bottle Bill!
Latest Bottle Bill Updates:
October 18, 2024
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October 4, 2024
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What does the future of bottle returns look like?
The future of bottle returns in Michigan is about making recycling as simple and effective as possible. Imagine being able to return any beverage container—whether it’s water, juice, or sports drinks—at any store that sells beverages. No more confusion about what’s returnable or where to take it. A new system would streamline returns with universal access, ensuring that all containers are covered and making it easier for everyone to participate.
But it’s more than just convenience. The future also includes smarter recycling infrastructure, funded by unclaimed deposits. This means faster, more efficient returns, cleaner technology, and better support for environmental initiatives like cleanups and water security. We’re not just improving the system; we’re ensuring it works better for all Michiganders, creating a cleaner, greener future for our state.
Expanded Container Coverage
Includes all beverage containers like water, juice, and sports drinks.
Universal Returns
Return any container at any store that sells beverages.
Recycling Innovation
Unclaimed deposits would fund improvements in recycling technology.
Environmental Cleanups
Unclaimed funds support local environmental projects
Water Security Fund
Funding to ensure clean, affordable drinking water across Michigan.
More Return Locations
More return centers for rural and underserved areas.
Anti-Fraud Enforcement
Additional funding to crack down on deposit fraud.
More Transparency
Public access to Bottle Bill data and financial reports.
More Returns, More Jobs
Expanded recycling efforts mean more jobs for Michiganders.
Turn Your Voice into Action!
Want to help us build a Better Bottle Bill? Join our list to stay in touch and stay involved!
We hear you, now let's take action!
Add Your Voice!
Tell us what you think of the bottle bill or give us ideas for making the Better Bottle Bill even better!
“Why can’t I return my bottled water or sports drinks?”
“Why can’t I just return my bottles wherever I buy my groceries? It’s a guessing game every time.”
“The machines at my grocery store are always broken.”
“I try to do my part with returning cans, but it’s confusing. I feel like I’m always second-guessing what I can and can’t return.”
“They collect all this money from the deposits, but where does it go? It doesn’t feel like it’s fixing the system.”
“I’m tired of not knowing which bottles I can return—half the stuff I drink isn’t even covered!“
1976-Today
The History of The Bottle Bill
When Michigan’s Bottle Bill was introduced in 1976, it was a bold and revolutionary idea. The concept was simple: a 10-cent deposit on soda, beer, and carbonated drinks would encourage people to return containers instead of tossing them. And it worked! The law went into effect in 1978, and Michiganders embraced it. There were some years where we had a 98% redemption rate, making our state a national leader in recycling and environmental protection.
For decades, this system helped keep Michigan’s streets, parks, and waterways clean. Litter from beverage containers plummeted, and our communities saw real benefits. Michigan became known for its cleaner lakes and rivers, and the Bottle Bill became a symbol of our state’s commitment to the environment. The success was undeniable—billions of containers were returned and recycled, reducing the amount of waste in our landfills and protecting natural resources.
But the world has changed, and unfortunately, the Bottle Bill hasn’t kept up. In the years since it was passed, new beverages like bottled water, sports drinks, and juices became more popular, but they weren’t included in the deposit system. As a result, BILLIONS of containers are left out, and redemption rates have dropped to just 71%. The outdated system has created confusion for consumers, and fewer bottles are making it back for recycling.
The cracks are showing. With billions of containers going unreturned, Michigan is missing out on the chance to recycle more and reduce plastic waste. It’s anticipated that by making these changes to the bottle bill, we could increase the number of returnable bottles from under four billion to over seven billion each year. That’s more money in your pocket and less litter in your communities!
That’s why a Better Bottle Bill is so important. A new bill would expand the deposit system to include all beverage containers, making it easier for people to return bottles at any store and ensuring that unclaimed deposits are put to good use—funding recycling innovation, cleanups, and water security. It’s time to build on the legacy of the original Bottle Bill and bring Michigan’s recycling system into the future.
Old Bottle Bill
Returnable Items...
- Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Carbonated Waters
- Beer and Malt Beverages
Better Bottle Bill
Returnable Items...
- Carbonated Soft Drinks
- Carbonated Waters
- Beer and Malt Beverages
- Bottled Water
- Sports Drinks
- Juice *
- Iced Tea
- Liquor Bottles
- Wine Bottles
*applies to juice containers under 1/2 gallon
Comparing The Bottle Bills
More bottles returned means less litter in our parks!
One of the biggest wins of a Better Bottle Bill would be shifting from only focusing on carbonated drinks to covering ALL beverage containers. We’re talking water, juice, sports drinks, and more. It’s time for every bottle to count—whether it’s fizzy or flat! This is a common-sense move that reflects how people actually drink today and ensures more containers get recycled. No more gaps, no more loopholes—just a cleaner, greener Michigan for everyone!
- Cut plastic litter in our parks, lakes, and streets
- Expand recycling rates by adding new items
- Reduce confusion - All bottles, anywhere!
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