This article does not deal directly with the energy issue involved in recycling/reuse vs. throwaways. The emphasis here is on the economic and logistical impact of these laws on the channels of distribution, which does cover some aspects of the total energy argument. Also, energy costs are related to the replacement costs of reusables, and the scrap value of nonreusables.
2.
“‘Return for Deposit’ Legislation: Financial Impact on Michigan Beer Wholesalers,” unpublished report; Michigan State University (1979).
3.
Salvage values of the eleven Michigan beer wholesalers were: Glass scrap/ton—$15 to $36: Aluminum scrap/lb.—19 to 23; steel scrap/lb.—11. Ibid., pp. 36, 37, and 40.
