Why Does Returning Your Empty Bottles and Cans Matter?

When it comes to Michigan’s bottle and can deposit system, every container recycled counts. More than just a 10-cent deposit, each bottle and can returned helps to preserve Michigan’s environments and ecosystems, contributing to an overall more sustainable Michigan. One of the first states to introduce a bottle and bottle deposit system, and if you are wondering why returning your empty drink containers matters, here are some things you need to know about Michigan’s deposit system.

Helping to Reduce Litter and Waste Since 1978

Michigan was one of the first states to introduce a bottle and can deposit system back in 1978, and since then, it has helped to significantly improve Michigan’s sustainability efforts. From helping to reduce the amount of CO2 emitted in the manufacturing and disposal of carbonated beverage containers, to reducing litter statewide by 50% since its introduction, as well as helping to conserve valuable resources like glass, plastic, and aluminum, Michigan’s deposit law has helped to reduce the overall impact of the drink and beverage industry on Michigan’s environment.

Putting Your Dime Back in Your Hands

Not only does every bottle and can returned through Michigan’s deposit system help to preserve its environment, and promote a more sustainable Michigan, but it also benefits you! When you purchase any kind of carbonated beverage, a 10-cent deposit is placed on the container of that drink, and the only way for you to get those 10 cents back is by returning your empty container at your local grocery store or supermarket. While it may not seem like much, that 10 cent deposit can add up over time, and if you don’t return your empty bottles and cans, then you won’t be able to get the return on that deposit.

Helping to reduce the amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions produced from the disposal and manufacturing of new containers, while also the deposit on each container back in your hands, there’s no reason not to return your empty bottles and cans. Check out our online resources to find out more about Michigan’s bottle and can deposit systems, or if you have questions that you would like to ask the team at Take Em Back, we invite you to contact us today!