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A Better Bottle Bill

Sign the petition for a Better Bottle Bill

Are you tired of plastic bottles and cans littering your community? Do you want an easier and more convenient way to return them? Join us in advocating for A Better Bottle Bill!

Michiganders like you have clearly spoken: Our iconic Bottle Bill needs an update.

While the original 1978 law was a game-changer, its system for returning bottles and cans 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.

It’s time to build on the legacy of the original Bottle Bill and bring Michigan’s recycling system into the future.

Let our legislators know that the people are behind this movement to increase recycling, reduce litter, and get rid of the hassle by creating A Better Bottle Bill!

Bottle Bill Petition

In 1976, Michigan residents voted to create a bottle deposit system across the state. They’d buy a beverage, pay a bit of upcharge, drink it, return it and then get that upcharge back.

It was revolutionary, and that’s not hyperbolic.

Look around a typical Michigan street, beach or park and you’d be hard-pressed to find a pop or beer lying around—or at least for very long. That’s because our bottle deposit system has created a 90% average return rate for almost five decades.

Now, as the 50th anniversary of that historic vote for Michigan’s “Bottle Bill” nears, the Michigan Environmental Council and its allies are gearing up to make the system even better.

By adding your name to our signature list, we can show Michigan’s legislators and leaders we’re ready for a change.

Our vision for a better Bottle Bill:

  1. More bottles and cans included – Billions of water bottles, sports drinks, juices and other beverages would be kept from becoming litter each year.
  2. Returns made easier – Any beverage could be returned at any station, not just where it was bought from.
  3. Innovation – Bottle Bill funds would be used to make the system faster, easier and cleaner.
  4. More pollution protection dollars – Bottle Bill funds would be used to clean up contaminated sites and prevent them in the first place.

By adding your signature, we can show elected officials and businesses a better Bottle Bill is shaped by and for the people. Your name, zip code and (if desired) your affiliation will be shared with the leaders we share our official policy vision with.

Add your name to our petition:

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