(Des Moines, IA) — Fewer redemption centers in Iowa means less recycling. That’s what one environmental group thinks is the problem with the state’s bottle law.
Signed in 2022, the law raised handling fees for redemption centers and allowed some retailers to opt-out of bottle and can collection. Cleaner Iowa surveyed the 140 retailers that were not allowed to opt out, and found that eight still collect, and that 29 counties no longer have a redemption center.
Complaints can be filed on the Department of Natural Resources website from those who think there is a spot that should be collecting, but isn’t.