Ways to Give
Bottles and Cans
Your returnable bottles and cans can help us save animals! We collect bottles and cans year-round to help bring in a reliable source of funds to support our programs.
Please note: we can only accept bottles and cans eligible for a 10-cent deposit rebate under Michigan’s Bottle Deposit Law.
Each year, our community's unwanted bottles and cans raise thousands of dollars for rescue animals.
In 2024, we raised $15,416.80 from March 1st to December 31st. We estimate an additional $1,000 in funds in January and February. Thank you for our generosity, and we hope you will help us keep growing this fundraiser in 2025!
Bottles and Cans FAQ's
What types of bottles and cans CAN be returned?
Under Michigan’s Bottle Deposit Law, shoppers are charged a 10-cent deposit at retailers for certain beverage containers. Empty bottles and cans can then be returned to the retailer for the shopper to be refunded that deposit.
To be returnable, a container has to be:
- Originally purchased at a Michigan store
- For one of the following:
- A carbonated, non-alcoholic drink (e.g., soda/pop, soda water, or carbonated water)
- OR a beer, ale, or malt drink
- OR a mixed wine or spirit drink
- Sold at the retailer they are being returned to
We accept returnable containers that were purchased from the following retailers:
- Meijer
- MegaBev
- Aldi
- Walmart
- Sam’s Club
- Trader Joe’s
- Costco
- Fresh Thyme
- Target
- Harding’s
What bottles and cans CANNOT be returned?
Bottles and cans that we cannot accept at this time include:
- Containers without a readable barcode
- Water (non-carbonated)
- Plain/non-carbonated lemonades (e.g. Minute Maid)
- Non-carbonated iced tea (e.g. Snapple)
- Hard ciders or wines
How should I store the bottles and cans I want to donate?
Our volunteers work hard to return bottles and cans. To make return visits go as smoothly as possible, we ask that you:
- Empty and rinse containers
- Allow containers to dry before storing them
- Store your containers in large boxes or bags
- Avoid crushing cans or removing labels from plastic bottles (barcode must be machine readable)
Where to Donate Bottles and Cans
Thank you for helping us make a difference! We regularly accept bottle and can donations at our self-storage unit. Come by and say hello to our volunteers!
Drop-Off Location
*NEW LOCATION AS OF 11/1*
4669 Executive Drive
Portage, MI 49002
Drop-Off Days and Times
- Mondays 11 am – 7 pm*
- Wednesdays 5-6 pm
- Fridays 11 am – 7 pm*
- Saturdays 11 am – noon
*during normal shelter hours