Iowa Litter May End Up Back in the DitchDes Moines Register
Stores don't want messy returns. Give redemption centers a chance, but if litter mounts, require grocers' participation.
Fareway [and now some HyVee stores] began telling customers at some locations [they are] no longer accepting empties. Convenient drop-off at groceries has been a critical part of the success of Iowa's quarter-century-old "bottle bill," which has kept roadside ditches clean and increased recycling.
Given some grocers' desire to get out of the return business, the state needs to do two things: First, assure that redemption centers really are convenient before allowing groceries to quit taking returns. And if the reality proves otherwise, insist groceries take back the bottles. Then, in the 2005 Legislature, open the debate on how to keep Iowa as litter-free as possible and whether this law is still the best way to do that.
...All Iowa law requires is that groceries make arrangements for nearby redemption centers to take the cans and bottles, with state approval - a step Fareway neglected to take in some cases.
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