September 20, 2009
You get a 10-cent refund for pop and beer cans and bottles
WHY IS IT 5 CENTS IN OTHER STATES? The Michigan United Conservation Clubs and hunters promoted the idea in the 1970s as a way to keep Michigan's roadsides litter-free. When the state's cutting-edge bottle and can redemption law was enacted in December 1978, 10 cents was quite a sum; the dime refund was expected to increase compliance. Five cents was the rate for refillable containers.
DOES IT WORK? The state's redemption rate is 96%, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's most recent data. Of the $415.8 million paid in deposits, $399.5 million was refunded.
DO PEOPLE BRING BOTTLES AND CANS TO MICHIGAN TO COLLECT THE DIME? That's the plan hatched by two characters on the TV show "Seinfeld." There have been proposals to have state-specific bar codes on recyclables. Michigan merchants, especially those with stores bordering other states, end up paying out more for refunds than they collect in deposit money.
ANY OTHER POSSIBLE CHANGES? Well, wine coolers weren't included in the original law but were added later. More recently, however, there has been talk about adding non-carbonated beverages to the deposit-eligibility list because drinks such as spring water and sports drinks have jumped in popularity and comprise a large chunk of bottles consumed.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE UNCLAIMED DEPOSIT MONEY? One-quarter of it goes to retailers and the other 75% is put into a state fund, which is primarily used for cleanup and pollution-prevention, the state DEQ said.
http://www.freep.com/article/20090920/NEWS06/909200511/1001/News/You-get-a-10-cent-refund-for-pop-and-beer-cans-and-bottles
