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Recycling

[ LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY ]
Allow Convenience Stores to Opt Out of Bottle and Can Redemption
FUELIowa urges lawmakers to allow convenience-type businesses to voluntarily opt-out of the bottle and can redemption requirements until the law is repealed or substantially overhauled. With unprofitable redemption outlets closing, stores bear the container handling costs while distributors benefit from escheats.

Modernizing Iowa’s Bottle Bill

In 1979, Iowa passed an innovative recycling program, the Iowa Beverage Container Deposit Law – known as the “bottle bill.” The bottle bill has helped to raise public awareness and create a culture of recycling in order to “Keep Iowa Beautiful.” 41 years later, the program has seen a steady decrease in return rates while redemption costs continue to increase. In order to continue to “Keep Iowa Beautiful,” it’s time for a comprehensive review by the Iowa legislature to update this critical program.

The impact of COVID-19 has further heightened the need to modernize the bottle bill. To protect the health and safety of consumers and workers, Governor Reynolds has suspended the collection of cans and bottles at convenience and grocery stores throughout Iowa. Governor Reynolds should consider the prudent step of extending her suspension for the collection of cans and bottles. That doesn’t mean, however, that recycling has stopped or should stop, and you can still do your part to “Keep Iowa Beautiful.” Collection centers throughout Iowa continue to collect bottles and cans and pay out deposits. FUELIowa has compiled an interactive map to help you find the closest redemption center.

Check out the map below for the nearest Redemption Center in your area!
Note: Hours may vary due to COVID-19 impacts
(please call your local center to confirm)

Have more information about recycling efforts in your area? Let us know and we will highlight on this page! Please contact FUELIowa at info@FUELIowa.com

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