Bill in Iowa Would Let Grocery and Liquor Stores Refuse Bottle Redemptions

DES MOINES, Iowa - A bill in the Iowa legislature would let grocery and convenience stores do away with redemptions for bottles and cans.

It would let the stores refuse to accept nickel-deposit beer, soft drink and liquor containers if there's a redemption center within 20 miles.

The Iowa Grocery Industry Association favors the bill, saying grocers shouldn't be in the waste collection business.

A number of Iowa residents are against the bill, saying a 40-mile round-trip for a bottle redemption is too far.

Environmental group the Sierra Club is also against the measure.

Republican State Senator Ken Rozenboom Oskaloosa introduced the bill, which passed out of a subcommittee this week.

He says the nickel-deposits, which if not redeemed are kept by beer and liquor distributors, is turning into a large amount of money. Rozenboom's bill would turn that money over to the state.

Iowa's redemption law, known as the Bottle Bill, has been in place since 1978.


View Full Site