Michigan’s Bottle Return Rate Hits Record Low

News Summary

Michigan’s bottle return rate dropped to 70.4% in 2024, marking the lowest level since 1990. This decline, coupled with over $116 million in unclaimed deposits, raises concerns about sustainability and recycling initiatives. A new campaign aims to encourage bottle returns, while proposed legislative changes seek to modernize the bottle deposit system, reflecting changing consumer behaviors and increasing public awareness.

Lansing, Michigan – Michigan’s bottle return rate for 2024 has dropped to 70.4%, the lowest level recorded since tracking began in 1990. This significant decline represents a decrease for three consecutive years, following a return rate of approximately 73% in 2020. The downward trend continued with slight recoveries in 2021 and 2022, only to fall further in 2023 and 2024. As a result of this decline, the state generated over $116 million in unclaimed bottle deposits in 2024, contributing to a total exceeding $500 million since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michigan is known for its 10-cent bottle deposit, a unique feature shared with only one other state in the U.S. The bottle return program is designed to promote recycling and sustainable practices, reportedly reducing carbon emissions by as much as 90%. To counteract the diminishing return rates, a new initiative called the “Take ’em Back” campaign was introduced in 2024, intended to encourage residents to return their deposit bottles.

The state’s bottle deposit system, originally established in 1976, is one of only eight states with such legislation in place. While improvements have been made over the years, the return rates have been adversely affected by changing consumer behaviors, particularly following the pandemic. Additionally, the current system retains three-quarters of all unclaimed deposits for the state, creating a financial incentive that may deter efforts to increase redemption rates.

To address these challenges, State Senator Sean McCann has proposed legislative changes to expand the existing bottle return law. Key components of the proposal include including plastic water bottles in the deposit law and requiring all returnable containers to be accepted at any retail store. This potential overhaul is supported by various environmental organizations, including the Michigan Environmental Council, which are advocating efforts to modernize the bottle law.

Furthermore, preparations are underway for a possible ballot proposal in 2026 aimed at the expansion of the bottle return law. Critics of the current system argue that the outdated deposit law has contributed to the declining return rates and has not adapted to the evolving disposal habits of consumers. Although the law mandates that stores selling deposit containers must accept returns, compliance with these regulations varies significantly across retailers.

The legal framework behind the bottle deposit system, however, complicates future revisions and expansions. Significant changes might face resistance due to the existing laws that were approved through voter referendums in 1976. Altering how unclaimed deposits are distributed may also impact funding for environmental cleanup initiatives and other state priorities.

Consumers are being encouraged to report stores that fail to accept returns on container deposits to the Michigan Attorney General’s office, as these reports could help address compliance issues and potentially improve the bottle return process. With legislative changes proposed and increasing public awareness through campaigns, efforts are being made to revitalize Michigan’s bottle return program and to foster a more sustainable recycling environment.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WZZM13
• Axios
• The Manchester Mirror
• Google Search: Michigan bottle return law
• Encyclopedia Britannica: bottle deposit law