Michigan Retailers Sought End to Bottle Return Mandate

The Midwest Independent Retailers Association proposed phasing out in-store bottle returns over two years.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Local Shops

Isometric editorial illustration of a single aluminum can on a metal platform, representing retail recycling system changes. — The Midwest Independent Retailers Association is seeking to sunset Michigan's long-standing bottle deposit law, citing significant retail operational and sanitary costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local grocery stores still be required to accept empty bottles and cans for recycling?

The Midwest Independent Retailers Association has called for a two-year sunset of Michigan's Bottle Bill, which would eliminate the requirement for stores to accept bottle and can returns. Retailers argue that the mandate creates significant hygiene and operational burdens.

Why it matters

The proposal addresses long-standing complaints from retailers regarding the costs of labor, machine maintenance, and sanitary concerns like pests in stores. It seeks to replace the current in-store system with centralized redemption or curbside recycling.

Michigan currently requires a 10-cent deposit on beverage containers. Last year, the state saw $119.2 million in unredeemed deposits, an increase of nearly 23% from 2022 levels.

The players

Midwest Independent Retailers Association

This trade group represents more than 1,000 retailers across Michigan and focuses on issues impacting local independent grocers.

The details

Retailers currently process returns through manual counting or reverse vending machines, which they claim leads to unsanitary conditions and storage space constraints. The MIRA proposal suggests a transition to standalone redemption centers or curbside programs to remove these tasks from the retail floor.

1910: The Midwest Independent Retailers Association began operating.
1976: Michigan voters passed the Bottle Bill referendum.
2020: Bottle and can returns were paused due to COVID-19.
2025: Data period for the 69.4% redemption rate.
2026: The Mackinac Policy Conference took place.

Culture Shift

The proposal reflects a broader move toward rethinking environmental mandates established in the 1970s. It challenges the traditional reliance on retail-based recycling in favor of centralized waste management infrastructure.

If the sunsetting occurs, residents would no longer be able to return bottles or cans at their local neighborhood grocery stores. This would require shoppers to adapt to potential new drop-off sites or shift toward using municipal curbside recycling options.

The takeaway

The proposed change highlights a growing tension between environmental policy and the operational realities of local business owners. Balancing public recycling goals with the logistical constraints of modern grocery retail remains a central challenge for state policy.