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HB 6054

Trade: containers; requirement for container redemption; clarify. Amends secs. 1, 2a & 4 of 1976 IL 1 (MCL 445.571 et seq.) & adds secs. 2b & 2c.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Julie Brixie and 18 co-sponsors

Strengthen Michigan’s bottle deposit program by phasing in designated containers, boosting dealer redemption duties, and improving consumer rights and penalties for noncompliance.

bill electronically reproduced 06/04/2026
#trade:containers
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6054

Overview

HB 6054 (2025-2026, Michigan) proposes amendments to the state’s beverage container deposit system, clarifying terminology and prescribing new requirements related to container redemption, recycling, and enforcement. The bill sets out definitions, deposit mechanics, and penalties, with added sections 2b and 2c to address operational requirements for dealers and consumer rights messaging.

Main purpose and intent

  • Strengthen and clarify the state's returnable-container (deposit) framework for beverages.
  • Expand dealer obligations around redemption, including addressing inoperable reverse vending machines.
  • Improve consumer awareness of bottle bill rights and ensure consistent enforcement and penalties for violations.
  • Create stricter regulatory oversight and penalties to deter noncompliance and fraud.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1 – Definitions and scope

    • Specifies terms related to beverages and containers, including:
    • What constitutes a “Beverage,” “Beverage container,” “Empty returnable container,” “Returnable container,” and “Nonreturnable container.”
    • Roles: “Dealer,” “Distributor,” “Manufacturer,” and “Reverse vending machine.”
    • Designated containers (metal, glass, plastic) and symbols/methods used by reverse vending machines to identify returnable containers.
    • Clarifies “Sale or consumption area” and related terms.
    • Introduces the concept of “Designated” containers with state-specific markings for machine recognition.

  • Section 2a – Restrictions on nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverage containers

    • Phased implementation for requiring designated containers based on brand sales and redemption data.
    • Applies to:
    • Nonalcoholic beverages in 12-ounce metal, 12-ounce glass, and 20-ounce plastic containers.
    • Alcoholic beverages in 12-ounce metal, 12-ounce glass, and 20-ounce plastic containers.
    • Triggers:
    • If a brand’s Michigan sales in the prior year meet or exceed thresholds (e.g., 500,000 cases) or if overredemption/substantial over-redemption occurs (e.g., >600,000 containers), then non-designated containers would be restricted.
    • Separate provisions for the Upper Peninsula (UP) with similar thresholds and timing.
    • Timelines:
    • 90 days after enactment for certain restrictions.
    • 450 days after enactment for others (designated container requirements).
    • Penalties for violations remain in section 4 (civil fines, potential misdemeanors/felonies based on severity and intent).

  • Section 2b – Dealer obligation to redeem via reverse vending machines

    • Requires dealers offering reverse vending machines to provide cash counter-redemption when machines are inoperable or do not accept a particular container type.
    • AG notification and cure process:
    • Duty to investigate complaints, issue cure notices, and allow a 15-day cure period.
    • Civil fines up to $500 per violation, escalating to up to $1,000 per day for ongoing violations (after an initial 60-day grace).

  • Section 2c – Consumer-rights signage and enforcement

    • Dealers must post a conspicuous sign at point of sale and redemption detailing bottle bill rights, including cash deposits, redemption timing, and the right to redeem empty containers without proof of purchase.
    • AG and treasury, along with other state and local enforcement partners, may inspect for compliance.
    • Violations carry cure notices and similar civil penalties as Section 2a/2b (up to $500 per violation, $1,000 per day for continued noncompliance after 60 days).

  • Section 4 – Penalties and enforcement

    • General rule: civil fines from $100 to $1,000 per violation, plus prosecution costs.
    • Enhanced penalties for certain fraudulent activities related to cross-state container handling, with a tiered structure from misdemeanor to felony based on the value of containers and prior convictions.
    • Allows aggregation of container values across incidents when part of a scheme or course of conduct.
    • Procedures for determining prior convictions and limiting sentencing enhancements to avoid duplicative enhancements.

Who would be affected

  • Manufacturers, distributors, and dealers of beverages sold in Michigan in returnable containers.
  • Operators and owners of vending machines that redeem containers (reverse vending machines).
  • Consumers who purchase beverages in returnable containers and seek deposit refunds.
  • State agencies: Attorney General, Treasury Department, Michigan Liquor Control Commission, and law enforcement.
  • UP retailers and manufacturers due to separate UP-triggered provisions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective dates/restrictions phased in: 90 days post-enactment for initial restrictions; 450 days post-enactment for designation/containing changes.
  • Compliance and cure framework: 15-day cure window after written notices; escalating civil fines for ongoing noncompliance.
  • Enforcement: routine inspections and potential criminal penalties for fraud, with detailed sentencing guidelines and the option to aggregate multiple incidents for calculating penalties.
  • Signage requirement and consumer-awareness messaging to be enforced by AG and Treasury, with cooperation from law enforcement.

Potential impact

  • Stronger alignment of container design with redemption technology (reverse vending machines) and clearer consumer rights.
  • Increased compliance obligations on dealers and manufacturers, and heightened penalties for violations or fraudulent activity.
  • Possible transitional costs for businesses to switch to designated containers and ensure machines recognize state-specific marks.
  • Enhanced consumer protection and clarity around bottle deposit refunds.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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