Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association applauds House vote for bottle bill tax credit legislation

June 12, 2024

House Bill 5546 would create tax credit based on the number of recyclable containers sold by a distributor

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) today applauded bipartisan support in the state House for legislation that would invest in Bottle Bill infrastructure and ensure the system operates efficiently for all Michiganders.

 

House Bill 5546, sponsored by Rep. Will Snyder, D-Muskegon, passed the House 103-7 with overwhelming bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

 

“Distributors invest over $60 million to recycle approximately two billion containers per year on behalf of the State of Michigan,” said Brett Visner, vice president of public affairs for the MB&WWA. “Sustained reinvestment in the Bottle Bill is crucial for maintaining infrastructure and system efficiency. House Bill 5546 will help accomplish that, providing Michigan beer and soft drink distributors a tax credit equal to a half-cent per returnable container sold.”

 

Since 1989, when the Legislature diverted unclaimed deposits to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and Michigan retailers, no funds have been reinvested into the Bottle Bill system's infrastructure. The total cost of operating the Bottle Bill has been borne by distributors. In 2008, a tax credit covering 28.5% of the costs associated with the Bottle Bill was established, but this credit was eliminated in 2011 with the phasing out of the Michigan Business Tax.

 

“With return rates dropping to historic lows, it is time to get serious about a long-term funding solution,” Visner said. “The strong bipartisan support of House Bill 5546 is significant and a crucial step toward restoring Michigan’s Bottle Bill to its former status as best in the nation.”

 

House Bill 5546 creates a tax credit based on the number of recyclable containers sold by a distributor and makes the State of Michigan a partner in the restoration and long-term viability of Michigan’s Bottle Bill.

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By Rebecca Stow • March 17, 2026
Across Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry, women are helping shape the future of our businesses and the communities we serve. As president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing in Grand Blanc Township and the third woman to chair the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Board of Directors, I’m proud to be part of a growing group of women leading with purpose and perspective. This year is especially meaningful for our company as we celebrate 50 years in business. Reaching that milestone is a reminder that strong local businesses are built over time through dedication, adaptability and the people who make long-term success possible—including the growing number of women shaping the future of the industry. Our work as beer and wine distributors is about far more than logistics. It’s about building resilient businesses that support jobs, give back locally and help maintain a fair and competitive marketplace. From sales and operations to finance, marketing and delivery, women are making meaningful contributions at every level of our industry. Distributors are proud to be local businesses with deep roots. We live and work in the communities we serve, and we embrace opportunities to give back—whether supporting neighborhood events, partnering with charitable organizations or helping local retailers succeed. That spirit of service is integral to our businesses and something we strive to carry forward. Beer and wine distributors also play a critical role in Michigan’s three-tier system, moving products safely and efficiently from supplier to shelf. This system supports competition and gives consumers access to an extraordinary variety of high-quality choices, from Michigan-made craft beverages to well-known national brands. As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, I’m honored to recognize the many women who help drive Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry forward. The continued success of this industry reflects the collaboration and determination of the people behind it—and women are playing an essential role in shaping what comes next. Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler is president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. in Grand Blanc Township. She is also chair of the MB&WWA Board of Directors and sits on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee.