Michigan Considers 10 Cent Deposit on Water Bottles – Where Do You Stand?

Michigan's 10-cent bottle deposit law went into effect 46 years ago on December 3, 1978. Now, Michigan lawmakers are considering a move that would expand the deposit law, requiring on deposit on plastic water bottles and other non-carbonated beverage containers.

If you're old enough to remember (sheepishly, I admit that I am), you'll recall that Michigan's litter problem was almost completely eliminated (seemingly) overnight, as beer and pop cans were no longer tossed along the side of the road.

Is Expanding the Deposit Law to Include Water Bottles a Good Idea?

A state Senator from Kalamazoo is hoping that a proposed amendment to Michigan deposit law would enhance recycling and reduce waste in our state.

Senator Sean McCann has introduced Senate Bill 1112, which would put the question before Michigan voters in 2026. The bill would have to pass through the Michigan legislature to get the question on the ballot.

Would you vote it into law, if given the opportunity?

Here's What Michigan's Expanded Bottle Bill Would Look Like

The bill would put a 10-cent deposit on all beverage containers one gallon or less, including water bottles. Milk jugs and baby formula containers would be exempt from the deposit law.

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Retail establishments would have to accept all brands of bottles, regardless of whether they sell that particular brand or not.

"Universal redemption. So if you buy a beverage at Meijer, you can take it back to Costco or Trader Joe's," McCann tells WXYZ.

 

Is it Illegal to Return Bottles From Other States Without Deposits in Michigan?

That's a resounding yes. (Don't be trying to pull a Newman/Kramer caper here in Michigan.) According to Michigan law, bottle fraud can be considered a felony, punishable by five to 20 years in prison.