Meeting Public Comments

Joan Cook []

We firmly believe the environment needs a good Bottle Bill. Consumers need the refunds convenient to where they purchase these items so perhaps the millions of dollars those distributors are pocketing can go back to the needs of the consumers. Please do not tell me legislators will not vote for this since their donors are retaining this money. Could it be our money finds it's way back to these legislators pockets? The Iowa Bottle Bill is antiquated. Do your job and find a way. Thank you, Tom and Joan Cook Iowa City

Nancy Porter []

The Bottle Bill is so very important for our environment. It could even be used to encourage young people to invest in an opportunity with a living wage if the Bill was written with consumers and job employment in mind. Any changes that bring the ability of people to return bottles made with deposits easier, which don't add miles and time to their trips, is a good change. Convenience for the consumer, and recycling for the environment are key points. Using the money that has been put aside because of COVID so our beaches would be another place to play with water that is safe and drinkable would help Iowa become the inviting state it once was.

Linda Schreiber []

Thank you for your efforts to improve Iowas bottle bill. The bottle bill isnt just about the industry grocers (retail) and distributors its about consumers. The proposed bill, SF2122, contains attributes of a modernized bottle bill that are appreciated and benefit Iowa consumers and taxpayers. Shifts the responsibility for the administration of deposit and handling fees from distributors to a state agency; Assigns a state agency the responsibility for enforcement and give the agency the appropriate measures to administer the law; Requires distributors and dealers to submit regular (monthly) reports tracking beverage sales and fees to the administering state agency. Transparency is the first step in accurately determining how much money is involved; and transparency is paramount to prevent a near collapse of a system that Iowans previously revered. Expands coverage to include additional containers. High alcohol beers and canned cocktails (introduced during the pandemic) were added. With a few additional steps, Iowas decadesold bill could be improved to provide valueadded measures to benefit Iowa consumers and the environment: Allow Iowans to redeem containers for deposit fees close to their communities traveling 15 or 20miles to redeem deposit fees does not encourage redemption or benefit the environment. Require all redemption centers to register with the states administering agency. Maintain unclaimed deposit fees in the proposed bottle bill fund until a determination can be made about the bills efficiency. The proposed bill requires transferring the remaining bottle deposit funds to a taxpayers relief fund at the end of the fiscal year. Wait, instead to determine if the process is working, and use the unclaimed deposits to enhance the environment. Expand the coverage to include containers that represent the major growth areas bottled waters, noncarbonated (sports) drinks, nonalcoholic beverages and other togo beverages. Phasein this step to avoid overwhelming redemption centers. Increase the handling fees to encourage dealers and redemption centers to stay in redemption or enter the market and increase the deposit fees to encourage consumers to return empty containers. Its important to remember that keeping containers in the supply chain will ensure containers have their highest best use. Plastic thrown in recycling bins is too often contaminated by nonrelated materials, which means that plastic container becomes a singleuse plastic that can only be recycled once and no longer be recycled to maximize its life expectancy of multiple uses. Iowan consumers have been patient they deserve action. Move SF 2122 through the second funnel to have a full debate.

Connie Brinton []

I support everything that Linda Scheiber has commented. The original bill was intended to keep Iowa clean. We need to continue to improve the process to keep up with the industry of bottled beverages make redemption convenient, designate more for the redemption centers so they can make a living and employ Iowans, expand the coverage to include our portable culture and recycle the maximum amount possible. Unredeemed deposits should support redemption centers and additional recycling efforts. Please help Iowa be a leader in caring for and investing in our environment.