Phase 2 of Bottle, Can Returns Starts Oct. 5

If the bottles and cans are still piled high in your garage because the lines in stores accepting returns have been inconveniently long, relief is on the way.

The Michigan Department of Treasury is beginning Phase 2 of bottle and can returns Oct. 5, and all grocery stores, supermarkets, gas stations, convenience stores and other retailers with reverse vending machines will be required to reopen their bottle return facilities.

Retailers with facilities that must be staffed by employees and require more than minimal person-to-person contact can open at their discretion.

According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, retailers may take any or all 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.

For more information on Phase 2 of Michigan’s reestablished bottle deposit return program, click here.