LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Legislation has been introduced in Lansing that would expand on Michigan’s bottle deposit law.
In Michigan, most carbonated beverage containers can be returned for ten cents. The law covers containers for products such as beer and soft drinks.
The new legislation was introduced Wednesday by Rep. Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo) and Sen. Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) in the form of House Bill 5306 and Senate Bill 701, respectively.
The purposes of the bills are to modernize the state’s recycling efforts and strengthen environmental conservation.
“Michigan’s ‘Bottle Bill’ was an innovative, effective approach to pollution prevention when it was first approved four decades ago, but we’ve failed to make the changes needed to keep pace with our ever-evolving beverage containers, including the explosion of single-use plastics,” Hoadley said in a statement. “This comprehensive measure will improve our pollution prevention and recycling systems so we are able to protect and preserve our natural resources for generations to come.”
As written, the bills introduced Wednesday would expand this deposit to all other non-carbonated beverages with the exception of milk containers.
“Michigan’s bottle deposit law is one our great state’s most successful policies. Originally intended to reduce roadside litter, it was critical in establishing a culture of recycling and awareness of conservation issues among Michigan citizens,” McCann said. “This legislation would build on that success and lead to even greater participation.”
Provisions for the bills would include the following:
- Permit universal redemption, allowing consumers to take any recyclable bottle to a large store while allowing smaller stores to maintain smaller takebacks;
- Create a bottle handling fund to reimburse distributors and dealers on a per-bottle-basis;
- Make funding available for audits and fraud enforcement;
- Provide $25 million each year to address contaminated sites.
More information about the bills will be reported as it becomes available.
