Michigan Bottle Return Rate Dropped to 69 Percent
As return rates fall, independent retailers are pushing for legislative changes to in-store collection requirements.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Local Shops
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Should grocery stores in your area be required to continue accepting bottle and can returns?
Michigan's bottle return rate fell to 69.4% in 2025, down significantly from 98.2% in 1990. The decline has sparked a push from local retailers to move away from in-store collection mandates.
Why it matters
Retailers argue that the labor-intensive return process creates ongoing health and safety concerns for store employees. This debate highlights a potential shift in how Michigan manages its long-standing deposit program as unclaimed funds reached $119.2 million in 2025.
In 2025, Michigan collected $389.7 million in deposits and issued $270.4 million in refunds, leaving $119.2 million unclaimed. Retailers received $29.6 million to cover handling costs for the collection process.
The players
Midwest Independent Retailers Association
An organization representing more than 1,000 Michigan stores that is currently advocating for the removal of in-store bottle collection requirements.
The details
Under current law, retailers must accept eligible containers, which requires space for sorting and storing. In independent stores that lack automated collection machines, staff must process these returns by hand. Many store owners now report that these manual requirements are unsustainable for daily operations.
Timeline
1976: Michigan bottle deposit program began.
1990: Return rate reached 98.2%.
2025: Return rate fell to 69.4%.
The Home Front
The push to change the Michigan Bottle Bill reflects a broader trend of states re-evaluating the costs of legacy recycling programs. The debate signals a possible departure from the 1976-era mandate that required local grocery stores to serve as the primary collection point.
Check your local store before visiting for returns, as some independent locations may face different logistical challenges than larger retailers. Keep an eye on local legislative news, as any potential sunset of the bottle bill would change how and where you return containers.
The takeaway
The state's bottle return system is facing pressure as redemption rates hit historical lows and operational costs for retailers rise. Residents should stay informed on upcoming legislative proposals in Lansing that may alter how bottle deposits are handled at your local grocery store.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of retail policies in Michigan Local Shops.
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Should grocery stores in your area be required to continue accepting bottle and can returns?
