GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Bottle and can returns were halted as a response to the pandemic back in March. Meijer officially resumes accepting bottles and cans on Monday, June 15.
Some stores began a trial run of bottle returns early. People with carts full of bottles and cans lined up outside the bottle return doors at the Knapp Corners Meijer Wednesday afternoon.
“We know there is an abundance of beverage containers waiting to be recycled, so we’re asking all of our customers to please be patient and respectful toward each other as we deal with a volume of returnable containers that we’ve never seen before,” said Todd Weer, Meijer senior vice president of stores in a release.
It is estimated that $65 million in unreturned bottles and cans have piled up in Michigan.Meijer issued a list of recommendations to keep lines moving:
- Separate your bottles and cans before coming to the store to help keep the flow of customers moving.
- Drain all cans and bottles and place them in clean bags/containers before coming to the store.
- Only bring beverage container brands that are sold at Meijer stores.
- Understand the maximum amount of returnable beverage containers is $25 each visit.
- Plan accordingly before you arrive as the bottle return rooms will be busy.
- Please be patient, practice social distancing and wear a face covering.
