Sierra Club Calls for Legislative Review of Bottle Bill Changes
The Sierra Club Iowa Chapter urges a legislative committee to examine the effects of a 2022 law that allowed some stores to opt out of providing redemption services for cans and bottles.
Background of the Law
Before Senate File 2378 passed, all stores selling alcoholic or carbonated beverages and collecting the 5-cent deposit were required to accept empty containers and redeem the deposit. The new law changed this requirement.
Impact on Redemption Program Participation
"The law has made it harder for Iowans to participate in the program," the Sierra Club stated in a news release.
Survey Findings
- 62% of respondents reported a redemption center or collection site had closed in their area.
- 21% said they travel more than 10 miles to redeem cans and bottles.
- Overall, 60% of Iowans surveyed feel it is more difficult to redeem cans and bottles since the law took effect.
Additional Information
The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread, though some words may be mispronounced.
Author’s summary: The Sierra Club highlights that changes in Iowa’s bottle bill law have reduced access to redemption services, making it tougher for residents to redeem deposits on cans and bottles.