Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are among the largest recyclers of cans, bottles and cardboard in the entire state. Every year, Michigan distributors recycle tens of millions of pounds of these materials, keeping them out of our landfills and protecting our Great Lakes, land and air for future generations to enjoy.

How much distributors recycle will vary from one to the other. To give an idea, an average distributor can recycle more than 1 million pounds of cans and between 800,000 to well beyond a million pounds of glass each year.

Michigan distributors are often the largest recyclers in their communities – and it’s a commitment we’re proud to keep.

At the same time, Michigan distributors are also state and national leaders when it comes to using biofuels and hybrid vehicles, which reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. Our commitment to clean homegrown renewable fuels strengthens our nation’s energy security, keeps our dollars here and creates local jobs. One of our distributors was the first in the nation to build a full hybrid-bio-fuel truck fleet. And many distributors use biofuels to power their trucks and other vehicles.

Michigan distributors are also aggressively investing in energy efficient and sustainable practices at their facilities, from efficient light bulbs to energy efficient coolers to cutting edge new building materials and designs. We’re reducing energy use, greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption.

We strongly believe in sustainability, recycling and conservation not only because they help save energy costs – they also all help create local jobs. Distributors often hire full-time employees just for their recycling operations. And energy efficiency and renewable fuels all create American and Michigan jobs, instead of sending them to other states or countries.

Recycling and conservation – good for the bottom line, good for working families and good for Michigan’s future.

To find out more about what your local distributors are doing to recycle, conserve and protect our Great Lakes, please feel free to contact us!