Bottle Returns to Enter Phase 2

Liz Gullett

Sep 25, 2020

Soon Michigan residents will have more options available for redeeming their deposits on bottles and cans. Due to the pandemic, Governor Gretchen Whitmer temporarily suspended the collection of returnable beverage containers through executive order in March. As restrictions started to ease, the bottle deposit return program began to be reestablished utilizing a phased-in approach. Under Phase 2, beginning on October 5, all grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, and other retailers with reverse vending machines, must reopen their bottle return facilities and resume the collection of returnable bottles and cans. Retailers with other types of bottle return facilities may re-open at their discretion.

All retailers re-opening under Phase 2 must ensure their facilities comply with state-mandated safety protocols and restrictions. Additionally, they may take any or all of the following steps at their discretion:

- Limit the number of beverage containers that may be returned by a single individual per day to a deposit refund amount of $25, as outlined in state law.
- Establish special or limited hours of operation for return facilities.
- Limit the number of available and operating reverse vending machines.
- Periodically close return facilities as needed for cleaning and supply management.
- Implement other procedures or restrictions as necessary to promote safety, efficiency, or both.

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