Michigan Bottle Deposit Law Statewide Container Returns

Under MCL 445.571 et seq., the Michigan Beverage Container Initiated Law, all carbonated soft drinks, beer, wine coolers, and water containers in metal, glass, or plastic carry a 10-cent refundable deposit. Dealers selling these products must accept up to $25 per person per day in returns. The law is uniform statewide; municipalities cannot waive or alter the deposit. Bulk disposal of deposit containers in regular trash forfeits the deposit to the state.

Refusing to accept valid returns is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000. Fraudulent return of out-of-state containers exceeding 10,000 is a felony under MCL 445.574a.