LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - 2024 saw the lowest amount of total dollars refunded since the Michigan Department of Treasury started tracking bottle returns in 1990.

$275.7 million in total was refunded last year, equating to just over 70% of the total deposits collected, of $391.6 million. The total “owed to under-redeemers” reached over $116 million.

For residents like Carly, going to the bottle return just became part of her routine.

“We do have a whole return section in our garage, we sort all of our stuff. It usually takes a weekly little chore to do, but overall we think its worth it,” she said.

Carly says she does think the return process is a burden, but believes it is worth it to save some money.

“I’m just inclined to find money where I can and if I’m already going to spend money o

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