Hunter
04/05/20
Iowans are hoarding, and that doesn’t just mean toilet paper, detergent and canned goods.
With grocery stores and redemption centers shutting down can and bottle returns, people are stockpiling them and waiting for the day when they can clean out their basements, garages and spare rooms to get their nickel deposits back.
It’s believed that there are now fewer than 100 redemption centers in the state, and the Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that the Can Shed, which serves businesses and consumers in a 45-mile radius around Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, is now idle and 25 employees were laid off until restrictions are lifted.
There’s a yearly debate in the Iowa Legislature about getting rid of the “bottle bill,” with grocery store owners pushing for its abolishment not only because of the time and cost processing returns entails, but for the sanitary concerns. A current bill introduced in the House would expand the types of containers accepted, raise the handling fee, and gradually give stores the option to discontinue returns.
If you’re more concerned about getting rid of the cans and bottles than getting your deposit back, the East Side Recycling Center on Scott Boulevard and the North Dodge Street Recycling Center are still open 24 hours a day and accepting plastic, glass and cans.
