The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy said that Michiganders can begin bottle and can returns immediately. Previously, it was thought they would have to wait until June 15.
According to the Michigan Department of Treasure guidelines, all supermarkets with Reverse Vending Machines at the front of the store or housed in a separate area must accept deposit container returns on or before June 15.
Due to the large number of containers that will be returned from the COVID shutdown, there may be temporary restrictions. People are urged to check with local retailers.
This month, Michigan consumers can begin redeeming bottles and cans that they have collected during the temporary, COVID-related shutdown of retail deposit rooms.
Retailers may take any or all of the following steps to help with the influx of containers:
- Limit the number of beverage containers that may be returned by a single individual per day to a deposit refund amount of $25.
- Establish special or limited hours of operation for bottle return facilities.
- Limit the number of available and operating reverse vending machines.
- Periodically close bottle deposit facilities as needed for cleaning and supply management.
- Implement such other procedures or restrictions as each retailer may determine are necessary or advisable to promote safety and/or efficiency.
Retail customers are asked to observe grocery store safety measures (wearing masks and maintaining a 6-foot distance) when visiting the deposit rooms.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
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Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
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See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
