Bottle deposit law

Deposit laws are powerful, simple tools that keep our states clean and preserve natural resources.

Every bottle and can you return is more than a deposit; it’s an investment in a cleaner planet. In fact, Michigan’s bottle deposit law has resulted in 50% less litter since 1978. It’s a difference you can see every day.

In the fight against waste, every bottle counts

Michigan’s deposit return program is considered the most advanced system in the world for a reason: it works. Convenient access and favorable bottle deposit laws have been proven to cut litter in half.

Retail
Purchase

Beverage wholesalers sell beverages to retail stores, and the store pays the deposit on the containers.

Customer Purchase

The store then sells those beverages to the consumer, passing on the initial cost of the bottle deposit.

Customer Redemption

Consumers return empty containers to the store or redemption centers and receive their deposit back.

Retail Redemption

Retail stores and redemption centers then return the empty containers to the wholesaler.

Bottle deposits cut litter in half

Bottle deposit laws are a powerful, proven way to fight litter. These laws have been shown to cut beach litter in half and are effective at keeping our communities, roads, and waterways clean and safe. Because they work so well, they also give brand owners the opportunity to use more recycled content in their products, which helps them meet their sustainability goals and lessen their environmental impact.