The bill, SB 1112, introduced in November 2024, is currently under consideration in the Michigan Legislature. If passed, it would expand the existing 10-cent deposit to include water bottles and other noncarbonated drink containers.

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The proposal, dubbed the “Bottle Bill,” also aims to simplify the return process by allowing universal redemption, enabling consumers to return containers at any participating retailer, regardless of where the beverage was purchased.

State Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo) introduced the bill to boost recycling efforts by including water bottles among refundable containers. If approved by the state legislature, the measure will head to the ballot for the November 2026 general election. Should voters give it the green light, the law would take effect six months later.

Testing the waters: public opinion.

The proposed legislation has elicited a spectrum of reactions from Michigan residents according to WXYZ-Detroit. Supporters, like Sarah Sadovsky, view the expansion as a small price to pay for a greater good, emphasizing the environmental benefits. Kevin Riley echoes this sentiment, noting that without the 10-cent deposit, many water bottles end up in the trash, and he would like to see a “greener” planet.

However, some retailers express concerns about the practical implications. TJ Yalda, manager at Wilson’s Wine in Royal Oak, describes the current bottle return system as an annoyance for store managers and owners.

Charting a course for environmental impact.

Proponents of the bill argue that expanding the deposit system to include water bottles could significantly reduce litter and increase recycling rates. Michigan’s current bottle deposit program has been effective in encouraging the return of certain beverage containers, and extending it to water bottles is seen as a logical step to many to further environmental sustainability.

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Environment.