Iowa Legislature Public Hearings

Mary M Maher [self]

CON

I think the current bottle bill should be changed. No store that sells food or drink should have to take back dirty cans or bottles to recycle them. This current practice is highly unsanitary. The current deposit should be increased to 10 cents a bottle or can to make it more profitable to make businesses want to recycle. The recycle center should not be connected to any place that sells food or beverages. The redemption center should get 5 cents instead of the current 1 cent for recycling the containers. The recycle center could be private owned or run by the state. But there needs to be ample recycling centers where citizens can bring items to recycle. Our recycling legislation is a great way to save the environment, but it needs to be improved.

Troy Willard [Can Shed LLC]

CON

I am pro bottle bill. This bill does not address the key issues to improve access to convenient redemption.First and foremost there needs to be a handling fee increase to encourage more redemption centers to open and for retailers to partner with. Statistics show that the two of the most important keys to a successful program are the number of points of redemption and the close proximity to the consumer. Any changes to our deposit law need to improve this.

Steve Hershner [NA]

CON

The House and Senate majority is abusing their power and governance responsibilities by considering any legislation that would change our bottle return program without an opportunity for fully informed public input.Shame on them!

Royce W. Hammitt [None]

CON

Please leave the bottle bill alone. It works, No need to do the bidding of businesses that are lobbying for elimination. If you want to fix something, fix the ombudsman's office. The role of government should primarily be that of taking care of those who cannot protect themselves, i.e. widows, orphans, the elderly, yet the legislature continues to gut these programs and protections.

Cherie L. Dargan [League of Women Voters of Black Hawk-Bremer Counties]

PRO

According to one of our members, Jo Ann Jo Ann Finkenbinder, "Our deposit law is the secondbest performing program in the United States on a per capita basis with an estimated 71 percent of beverage containers redeemed annually; compared to the 25% redemption rate nondeposit states. This law keeps an estimated 1.65 billion containers out of our landfills, ditches and waters each year. This measure reduces the cost of government to expand landfills and reduces cost of picking up litter on our roadsides and streams, where many of us paddle. The Bill needs to expand the deposit to 10 cents and raise the handling fee to 2 cents not repeal it. Vote to preserve the bottle bill." Please, think of our grandchildren and the Iowa we wish to pass along to themclean water, air, and soil, and clean ditches, as well. Cherie Dargan, President, LWVBHB

GARY FUNKHOUSER [TREYNOR OPTIMIST CLUB]

PRO

Our Treynor Optimist club has sponsored a can kennel since the approval of the original legislation. To date our young people havereceived right at $192,000 from the donations of cans and bottles. Every 2 weeks a youth group sorts the items and a redemption location at Glenwood picks up the bags/boxes and sends us a check which is then given to the sponsoring group who helped sort the items every 2 weeks. 4H clubs, church youth groups, athletic and music boosters, etc. have received all of the funds earned. We have a covered secure fencedin area and a covered deck for sorting and storing donations. Security is by way of two cameras. Two Omaha area individuals were caughtstealing the bagged cans. Otherwise there has not a been problem. Please support the redemption program in some manner.

LORRIE HANSON [CITY OF AMES RESOURCE RECOVERY PLANT]

CON

Hello,My name is Lorrie Hanson, and Im a member of the Iowa Recycling Association (IRA). Tuesday, April 20 (tomorrow) at 5:00 PM you and your committee will hold a public meeting to discuss legislation that would overhaul Iowas bottle bill.While the IRA supports increasing redemption and recycling opportunities for Iowans, we are concerned about any provisions that may decrease consumer convenience. IRA also supports increasing the container handling fee by at least one cent, which would encourage more people to open redemption centers in underserved areas.Thank you for your time, and for your work on this important piece of legislation.

Anonymous [- Select -]

PRO

Please improve the bottle bill:a)increase handling fee for redemption centersb)increase refund to consumersc)ensure redemption centers are conveniently located, ie close to grocery stores d)expand returnable bottles to include others that are made from the same materials as those currently returnablee)administer process to efficiently collect, track and enforce compliance Then, VOTE YES!!!

Anonymous [League of Women Voters of Sioux City]

CON

I support an updated but fair bottle bill. Grocery stores, redemption centers and the environment deserve action. I support increasing the handling fee. In my Morningside area of Sioux City both Fareway and HyVee have opted to contract with a nearby redemption center. I want the redemption centers to survive but to improve its site accessibility. Increasing the deposit & handling fees is essential. Redemption Centers must be accessible particularly to rural consumers.I do believe dedicating income from unclaimed deposits should be directed to modernizing and opening new redemption systems.I was amazed at how much cleaner Iowa roadsides were compared to TX, LA, and AR where I have also lived. Iowa needs to continue that tradition!

Catharine W Eisenhofer []

PRO

Iowans want an updated bottle bill (1978 is not current) that is fair for all Iowans. If we've waited 50+ years to update, we can take the time to make it work for all. We should think about consumer needs and the environment, as well as business interests. With the right system, grocery stores and redemption centers can profit, while we also encourage more redemption, reduce waste, and make Iowa more beautiful.First and foremost, we should double the handling fee to 2 cents. Even better would be 3 cents. This is the amount that goes directly to fund redemption. This will make the whole program more feasible by encouraging more redemption centers to open. This handling fee should be borne by those who profit from the sale of these beverages: the beverage manufacturers (e.g., beer and soft drink distributors) and those who sell them (grocery stores and other stores).Grocery stores profit by selling these containers, so should have some responsibility to make this system work. Grocery stores should either provide an option to redeem containers at their stores, or they should be able to opt out only by contracting with redemption centers nearby. 10 to 15 miles is too far for people to drive to redeem cans and bottles.We should expand redeemable containers to include water, tea, sports drinks, and juice containers that use the same materials as currently redeemable containers.We need penalties for stores who do not comply with the rules. Some enforcement penalties are being proposed in the current bill, and that is good.Increase the deposit fee. It is currently 5 cents per container, and this has not been increased in a long time. Increasing the deposit fee up to 10 cents per container would increase the consumer incentives to redeem the containers and would benefit many lowincome people who collect and redeem the containers. We could also tie increases in the handling fee and deposit fee to the cost of living to assure an automatic adjustment over time in order to provide ongoing revenue. Move the administration of the container deposit law to a department suited to collect monies automatically and transparently (for example, Department of Revenue) and create procedures to track unclaimed deposits and enforce and collect fines.Dedicate the income from unclaimed deposits and penalties to funding grants to modernize redemption systems and equipment, open new redemption centers in underserved areas, and assist with other environmental projects and protection.

Myrna Loehrlein [self]

PRO

I speak in favor of HF 814. Iowa's bottle bill has been notably successful in reducing litter, and in supporting good stewardship of environment. In addition, continuation and expansion of the deposit program can support development of redemption centers as small business. IF the processing fee is increased and the redeption centers are accessible. No one should have to drive more than 10 miles round trip to return bottles.This bill is not all I would wish for, but mmaintainence of our deposit law will benefit all Iowans.

Nancy Porter []

CON

Honorable Legislators,There are so many problems to fix in our state now, especially with a Pandemic having caused so much grief. The Iowans on the lower social economic status living in Iowa, need even more help. Don't forget them.This is the very group of people who pick up cans and bottles and redeem them for pencils and notebooks and shoes to wear to school. Iowa was one of the states first in the nation to keep our ditches and highways clean by allowing a deposit on cans and bottles encouraging reception. We desperately need a deposit on plastic, too, because that is a product that does so much damage to our already overworked environment and continues to be dangerous to animals. Increase the deposit. Let the people pay and benefit from reception centers. Increase the deposit so Redeption Centers can make money. Think wisely and into the future about the Bottle Bill Thank you for your time.

Mary K Tarnoff [Mrs.]

CON

We need to strengthen the bottle bills, not weaken them. We need to incentivize recycling not make it more difficult. Asking someone to drive 20 miles each way is ridiculous. I know of lowincome people in my city who desperately depend on the extra income they derive from collecting cans and bottles. They can't afford to drive a long distance to redeem them. One of them doesn't even own a car. He brings all of the redeemables to the grocery store on his bike!

Shannon Patrick []

PRO

An updated bottle bill would be good for Iowa's manufacturers, redemption centers, retailers, environment, and citizens.*Manufacturers rely on redemption for a clean supply chain*Raising the handling fee to $.03 would encourage more stores to reclaim containers and more redemption centers to open their doors*Changing enforcement from the DNR to the Dept. of Revenue would level the playing field among retailers*Raising the deposit to $.10 would keep more bottles out of our ditches and waterways and help the charities and low income people who collect containers to raise funds*Covering more types of beverages (tea, water, sports drinks, etc.) not only cleans those containers up but also means that our taxes don't have to pay for them through recycling or waste programs. This expansion could be phased in.Lastly, keep redemption near where containers are sold. I live near a redemption center, and many people haul containers in carts and bike trailers. Especially in urban areas, the people who rely on this bill to make ends don't have the means to make a 20mile round trip to turn them in.

Nancy Davin [Self]

PRO

Every beverage container should have a 10 cent deposit/refund offered. Im fine with grocers contracting with Can Sheds and the like as long as the receiver of the recyclables are given the funds, not the grocer. Do not be persuaded by the grocer lobby! This is for the PEOPLE of Iowa for the betterment of Iowans, the Earth, and recycling companies. TEN CENTS PER CONTAINER. The deposit bill has changed Iowa and the lack of litter.

Paula Vaughan []

PRO

Please expand containers to include those in use today (sports and energy drinks, tea, juice, water, etc).Raise the handling fee to encourage more participation by redemption centers and the deposit fee to encourage consumer participation.Make redemption centers accessible and convenient for consumers, within short driving distance.

Del Holland []

PRO

I have always been very proud of Iowas Bottle Bill. It has proved very successful at litter control, waste diversion from our landfills and supportive of recycling materials.However, it needs revisions to keep up with the changes since it was originally passed in 1978. There are two needed major changes that are apparent to me. One increasing the deposit to 10 cents, to keep the incentive to return the bottle high enough to get high participation and to make the reward high enough for litter collections and nonprofit donation programs. The other major change is to expand what containers are covered. I would suggest that all containers that are currently covered continue to be covered. I would further suggest that we expand the redeemable containers to include water, tea, sports drinks, and juice containers that use the same materials as currently redeemable containers.During Covid, many sellers of redeemable containers have used that as an excuse to not redeem the bottles and cans they have sold. I think this is unacceptable. If you sell the beverages and make the profit on them, you need to redeem the containers. To incentivize this double or triple the handling fee. And enforce the law that sellers must redeem containers.Income from unclaimed deposits could go to funding new redemption centers and equipment and/or environmental programs like trails, prairie and wetland restoration etc.

Anonymous []

CON

Do not repeal, expand!

Pat Bowen []

PRO

First off I do not like the "pro/con" criteria on this comment page. Please read all the peoples comments closely with regard to what they want to see with this bill. This law is old, it needs addressing to the 21st century, it does not need to be abolished. After reading many people's comments, it sounds like they are in "agreement" yet one person said PRO and one said CON. I am not against the bottle bill in and of itself. What I am for is a bill that will be most equitable for all people. Iowans want and need an updated bottle bill that is fair for all Iowans. We should think about consumer needs and the environment, as well as business interests. With the right system, grocery stores and redemption centers can profit, while we also encourage more redemption, reduce waste, and make Iowa more beautiful. I think it places an undue burden on those that live far from a redemption center without transportation (i.e. those that live in a downtown area for example that do not drive) We should increase the deposit to .10. We should include more beverage containers to keep all off our streets, highways and parks. States that have a higher deposit have a higher redemption rate. Move the administration of the container deposit law to a department suited to collect monies automatically and transparently (for example, Department of Revenue) and create procedures to track unclaimed deposits and enforce and collect fines. Dedicate the income from unclaimed deposits and penalties to funding grants to modernize redemption systems and equipment, open new redemption centers in underserved areas, and assist with other environmental projects and protection.

Matthew Bricker []

PRO

Hello, ladies and gentlemen.I favor the bottle recycling program. Since its prices were set back in the 1980s, I believe it is reasonable to adjust them for inflation. I would also favor including water bottles in the program, since I see a lot of them thrown about where they shouldn't be and paying for water still strikes me as a luxury option.Thank you for your time and attention.

Beverly Haas []

PRO

1. Double the handling fee to 3 cents. This is the amount that goes directly to fund redemption.This will make the whole program more feasible by encouraging more redemption centers to open. This handling fee should be borne by those who profit from the sale of these beverages: the beverage manufacturers (e.g., beer and soft drink distributors) and those who sell them (grocery stores and other stores).2. Grocery stores should either provide an option to redeem containers at their stores, or they should be able to opt out only by contracting with redemption centers nearby. If they sell the products they'd better show some responsibility for what these products do to our roadsides, landfills, beaches, and more.10 to 15 miles is too far for people to drive to redeem cans and bottles.Grocery stores profit by selling these containers, so should have some responsibility to make this system work.3.Expand redeemable containers to include water, tea, sports drinks, and juice containers that use the same materials as currently redeemable containers.4.Increase the deposit fee. It is currently 5 cents per container, and this has not been increased in a long time.States with 10cent deposit fees often have recycling rates 90%. Increasing our deposit rate would likely increase our return rate by increasing the economic incentive to return containers.5. Dedicate the income from unclaimed deposits and penalties to funding grants to modernize redemption systems and equipment, open new redemption centers in underserved areas, and assist with other environmental projects and protection.6. Show the children of Iowa that you actually care about the condition of the state in which we all live. Show them that you actually care enough for them to leave them a state with as little litter and broken glass as possible. Put the people of Iowa first instead of the corporations that profit from selling all these products in containers that can either be returned or can destroy the health, safety, and beauty of our currently fairly clean Iowa.Walk away from the corporate lobbyists who tempt you to destroy our state for their benefit. Walk away from their offer of dirty money for selfish desires for getting reelected no matter the cost.Please put Iowans first, not your campaigns and your onesided desire to hang on to power. Leave a good and clean America to the children. It's the least you can do. Thank you.

Anonymous []

CON

I have travelled the USA and Canada extensively. I can always tell which States have a "bottle bill" and which ones do not. The highways are a lot cleaner. I first saw this in Canada they do a super job. 10 cents a bottle is redeemableI think this should be the rate for ours too. Why pay or have prisoners and state highway people do clean up. Canada also has Orbit Cans all along their highways trash cans you can drive up next to and get rid of trash. WHY would we want to take steps backward and do away with such an import bill as our Bottle Bill. We need to keep it and improve it!!!!!

Bryon Day, Ph.D. []

PRO

I am writing in support of a strong bottle bill. This should include a 10 cent deposit to increase consumer compliance (as research has abundantly shown), a 2 cent handling fee to fund redemption centers, and expand redeemable containers further to reduce pollution. Thank you for your consideration. Iowa citizens pay high taxes relative to other states, and it would be a disservice to our citizens to do anything other than keep the roadways clean and recycle what we can.

Anonymous [- None -]

CON

I would like to see the deposit raised to 10 cents. I would also like to see a requirement that retailers collecting cans have a machine that allows returnees to deposit their own cans. Dropping off bags of bottles and cans that are dirty, moldy and still containing liquid can be a health hazard to employees required to separate them. Despite that the governor says people do not always do the right thing

Elinor Levin []

PRO

Updating the bottle bill is a vital part of protecting Iowa's future, in regards both to public cleanliness, and to recycling of highly reusable materials. Redemption Centers are staffed by individuals who simply want to work in clean, safe, respected environment. Consumers want clean, safe, convenient places to redeem items. In order to improve this system, we must ignore the grocery stores that benefit from keeping all of the unredeemed deposits in the current system. Raising the redemption amount that goes to consumers may be a good step, but the vital ones are raising the redemption rate to locations where items are redeemed and ensuring that redemption locations are accessible to patrons.

Jim Ruebush [Retired teacher]

CON

Changes made to the current bottle bill should encourage the return and recycling of containers by the public. I believe the most effective way would be to increase the deposit to 10.

Robert Zahorik [none]

CON

The bottle bill should be expanded to include water, sports drinks, etc. Also increase deposit and give the grocers more for handling.

Jamie Achrazoglou []

CON

The Bottle Bill was one of Robert Ray's best legacies. I remember flying into a large Texas airport, and all I could think was "look at all of the cans and bottles in the ditches."Iowawe have placed tremendous stress on the fragile environment with farm chemicals and field tilling.Let's do the right thing here and keep the bottle billmaybe even increase it to $.10 and include more types of cans and bottles. It's not too late, but the damage will last life times.

Jess Mazour [Sierra Club Iowa Chapter]

CON

HF 814 is bad news for Iowa. Iowan's overwhelmingly support Iowa's Bottle Redemption Program or want to see it expanded. HF 814 does the opposite.HF 814 takes the convenience out of recycling. If someone has to drive 2030 miles or more to return their cans and bottles, they likely won't and they will end up in the landfill.Grocery stores in Iowa claim to support our communities one way to support our communities is to continue to take back cans and bottles. If grocery stores continue to push this bad bill they are nothing but bad community actors.Vote no on HF 814.

TIMOTHY P DEWEES []

PRO

I want to voice my support for this bill. More must be done to support those collecting empty beverage containers monetarily, and to make the redemption of empty beverage containers as convenient to the public as possible. If it is not convenient to citizens to redeem their empty beverage containers and receive the deposit that they paid, the containers will end up in landfills or along the side of roads in increasing numbers. The penny handling fee increase is needed and should be increased to help redemption centers to keep up with inflation and stay in business as the service they provide is worthwhile to the citizens of Iowa and necessary to keep our state as clean as possible. Redemption centers are also used to help various local groups with fund raising and in Marion, IA. just last summer was a convenient way for "Meals on Wheels" to raise $30,000 to deliver food to the homebound when all other fundraisers had been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Lisa DeWees []

PRO

I want to voice my support for this bill. More must be done to support those collecting empty beverage containers monetarily, and to make the redemption of empty beverage containers as convenient to the public as possible. If it is not convenient to citizens to redeem their empty beverage containers and receive the deposit that they paid, the containers will end up in landfills or along the side of roads in increasing numbers. The penny handling fee increase is needed and should be increased to 10 cents to help redemption centers to keep up with inflation and stay in business as the service they provide is worthwhile to the citizens of Iowa and necessary to keep our state as clean as possible. Redemption centers are also used to help various local groups with fund raising and in Marion, IA. just last summer was a convenient way for "Meals on Wheels" to raise $30,000 to deliver food to the homebound when all other fundraisers had been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Liz Kriegel [Iowa Valley Parents for Prom]

PRO

Hello, my name is Liz Kriegel and I am the 2020/2021 chair of the Iowa Valley Parents for Prom organization in Marengo, Iowa. The purpose of our organization is to provide a safe, fun after prom event for the students of Iowa Valley. We have been funding this after prom event for years through many fundraising events, but our most substantial fundraising effort is collecting cans and bottles from our community to return for the refund. We have an established relationship with a redemption center (The Can Shed)and have worked out a system that has allowed us to continue this fundraising effort. If they were not able to stay in business, I am not sure how our group would make up those fundraising dollars. In a year, our group has been able to collect almost $10,000 worth of cans and those funds go directly to our organization to fund our event. The residents of Marengo are used to donating their cans and having the service/nonhassle of getting them sorted. Our can holding area is located next to our towns recycling center. I fear if we were not able to continue to provide this, cans would end up in the landfills and on the side of the roads. As well as our organization would have to scale back our event. The can collection for Iowa Valley after prom has funded 1020 years worth of after prom parties for our community, these events have kept our children safe. We would not be able to provide this without our relationship with the redemption center that picks up weekly in our community. I support this bill, it will keep redemption centers able to run, in turn that will keep our children safe by funding our after prom. Sincerely, Liz KriegelIowa Valley Parents for Prom

Lee Collins [Can Dough Redemption Center ]

CON

It does not appear that there is enough change to the existing law as it stands already. The redemption centers should return five cents refund to the customers, but the return deposit the distributors return to the redemption centers needs to be raised from one cent to two cents. The way it is set up now does not work anymore in that respect. There does need to be changes, it just seems like you are not looking at the right changes. With this small change redemption centers would be able to thrive and streets would remain clean. More redemption centers would open and therefore the stores would not need to take can returns into their stores anymore. Thank you for your consideration of our thoughts.

Anonymous []

CON

It is time to act to preserve and expand the container deposit bill by increasing the handling fee and making redemption convenient, mandatory and enforceable for businesses that sell redeemable containers to accept containers for redemption.Redemption centers have been closing in the last 20 years, unable to meet expenses with 1 cent a container for sorting the containers. The legislature must act to make redemption convenient for consumers and raise the sorting fee to 2 cents. It is estimated that 1.7 million containers are kept out of Iowas landfills each year as a result of the container deposit law. By keeping containers out of our landfills we are reducing tax payers expense to expand dumps. This is a popular law with Iowans; its time to act to preserve it. Jo Ann Finkenbinder, Cedar Falls

Keith Puntenney [Puntenney Farms]

CON

Every year, in spring and fall, I walk my 3 farm ditches in Boone and Webster Counties. I also drive hundreds of miles each year to get to them from my Boone home. And every year I fill trash bags with plastic drink cups and bottled water; with beer bottles and cans; and with other discarded fast food, plastic and paper bags, etc. There is both no incentive to recycle these in small town IOWA, and no incentive for others to help collect this trash under the current bottle bill costs. This is another indirect tax on those of us who own private farm property both in terms of time and money spent to maintain our property. It also discourages expanded use and maintenance of farm road ditches as a livestock food source because of the trash (metal, glass, discarded chemicals, etc.) that accumulates year by year. Do your job and help make rural IOWA a more beautiful and economic place to live.First, expand the bottle fees to all items (beer, pop, water, juice, sported drinks, etc.). Second, get ride of single use plastic products and make recyclable bottles and cans mandatory with a return fee set to make it economically worthwhile for scout, church and individuals in the locality to 'fundraise' and clean up their neighborhoods. Double the return fees for these groups as an incentive. Third, increase redemption center and double they processing fees so there is additional incentives to expand their operations statewide. Fourth, return unclaimed bottle fees into this program, and add an additional 5 cents tax at the seller store level for ALL single use drink cups, bottles, bags, etc. sold.If dog owners need to pick up 'biogradeable' poop on my lawn then people who leave trash in the ditches of my farm should pay a fee for the damages done to my farm property as well. Lets make the bottle bill work for all, raise fees. and make both consumers and sellers all work together to keep IOWA 'beautiful".

Richard T Siefers []

CON

As an avid bicyclist that rode over 4000 miles on Iowa roads in 2020, every mile that I ride I experience and see the positive impact that Iowas Bottle Bill has had on Iowas environment. The success of Iowas Bottle Bill is the result of its convenience. This is why Im asking for a NO vote on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. I do agree that Iowas Bottle Bill needs to be updated. It should be expanded to include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should double the handling fee to 2cents (3 would be better) so redemption centers can earn a living wage. The deposit fee should be increased. States with 10cent deposit fees often have recycling rates 90%. Increasing our deposit rate would likely increase our return rate by increasing the economic incentive to return containers. It would also offset an increase in the handling fee noted above. Lastly, Grocery stores should either provide an option to redeem containers at their stores or they should be able to opt out only by contracting with redemption centers nearby (within 1 mile). 10 to 15 miles is too far for people to drive to redeem cans and bottles. Grocery stores profit by selling these containers, so should have some responsibility to make this system work. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled HF 814 does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Wally Taylor []

CON

The proposed bill guts the bottle deposit law. It allows beverage dealers to evade their responsibility under the law. Even with proposed amendments the bill makes it inconvenient for members of the public to return the used containers. The purpose of the law is to encourage return of empty containers to avoid litter, not to allow dealers to evade their responsibility.

Eliza Willis [Private citizen]

PRO

I write in support of a much stronger bottle deal that deepens the remarkable success of the original bill passed in the late 1970s. The original bottle bill has been a source of pride for we Iowans for decades but the time has come to build on the past success by passing a more comprehensive bill. I support increasing the amount of deposit from five to ten cents and expanding the number of redeemable containers to include water, tea, etc. made of the same material as currently redeemable containers. If grocery stores are allowed to opt out of accepting redeemable containers, they should be required to contract with nearby redemption centers. When I was growing up in Iowa in the 1960s and 1970s, I often saw bottles and cans in the ditches and the streets. The original bottle has been effective in all but eliminating this serious trash issue. We now have the opportunity to do even better. Please extend this very popular legislation.

STEVE UDERMANN []

CON

Dear Legislators,I am writing to express my displeasure and objection regarding the proposed changes to the Iowa bottle bill. The idea of returning empties to a central redemption center apart from the retailer that sold the beverage is not only impractical, but ludicrous, regardless of the proximity of the redemption center to the retailer or if a consumer resides in a rural or urban area.I am not opposed to increasing the amount of deposit required (perhaps substantially) to cover legitimate handling costs. I am not opposed to limiting a retailers responsibility to accepting only those containers that they sold. I am not opposed to eliminating all exemptions that some retailers now enjoy in regards to accepting returns. Im sure there are other ways the current bottle bill could be improved without its essential decimation.Finally, its my position that if a retailer chooses to sell a product that requires a deposit, they should be obligated to accept the return of the container and provide a refund in the amount of deposit.This is simply common sense and should NOT be a partisan issue in any sense of the term.Respectfully, I ask you to consider my remarks.Sincerely,Steve Udermann3316 Reston CT NECedar Rapids, IA52402

Robin Enfield [Iowa City Sierra Club]

CON

Iowa should take pride in our effects to remove cans, plastic and glass bottles from landfills and roadsides. I still remember before we began returning cans and bottles seeing these littered along the roadside. I made me so heartsick to see this unnecessary pollution. We have proved we can do better and we can even improve upon it further! Say no to this bill!

Tara Randall [Voter ]

CON

Please, do the right thing here and REQUIRE these grocery stores to follow the law, and redeem the containers that they sell. These stores make a huge profit from the sale of beverages. If the penny increase ( which in my opinion is too small and WAY overdue) has been voted down, redemption centers, who are a win win for every one .. cannot be expected to continue let alone survive. Yet we are thinking about extending the distance to where these grocery stores will be allowed to opt out?? Bad idea. Please do what is necessary to make redemption centers profitable so they can serve our communities. Take away license to sell these beverages from stores if they are not going to follow the law.RespectfullyTara Randall

Anonymous []

CON

Unless this bill includes additional incentives for redemption centers, it will be a disaster for our system of container returns. There must be additional financial support for new redemption centers to open in any bill.

Edward J Gallagher [Retired]

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. Save the convenience of being able to recycle beverages at where they are purchased and keep Iowa clean. Water,tea and juice should be added to the recycling provisions and the handling fee should be doubled from a penny to two cents to help redemption centers stay in business.

Patricia Fuller [Self]

CON

We now havebecome a world of plastic pollution and overall pollution and what we need now more than ever are bills that strengthen recycling laws and opportunities. This bottle bill has worked well since 1978 and I see no need to change it in such a way that would make it very inconvenient for people to recycle we have done so much damage to Wildlife, waterways and ecosystems with absolutely no regard for how we consume and waste. And it would be absolutely Shameful to support this bill.

Anne Tabor [None]

PRO

I urge you to uphold and strengthen Iowas bottle deposit bill HF 814We are celebrating Earth Day this week and what a confirmation of our commitment to clean living for the future to add to the bottle deposit billadd juice, sports drinks and water containers, increase the deposit fee so grocery stores will return to providing redemption sites as it is their responsibility to redeem if they profit on the sale of plastic containers. Also increase the availability of redemption sites so it is the norm to recycle. We can and should be an example in leading the way to reclaim and reuse. Thank youAnne Tabor

Margaret M. Dwyer [- Select -]

CON

Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Anonymous [NA]

CON

The 1 Cent handling fee needs to be increased to make it more feasible for small recycling centers to be more viable and succeed. The proposed 15 mile limit seems totally unreasonable. You have stalled on this issue far too long and its time to listen to the voters that elected you! The bill should also be expanded to include more containers.

Mary Allen [American Gramaphone]

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814. Thank you.

Anonymous [none]

PRO

Please increase fee from 5 cents to at least 10 cents and punish retailers who refuse to accept returns. Keep Iowa clean!

Evalee Mickey [Food and Water Watch]

CON

Iowa has been doing a great job for many years with bottle redemption. It should only be strengthen. I lived on a gravel road, the first one out of town, and every Sat and Sun morning, the road was litteredwith cartons, bottles and eve, sacks. By the time I came back from town or from Church, it had been cleaned up by peole who wanted to redeem the bottles and cans. Why would we want to do what other states have continued to do with their lack of a redemption of bottles and cans. It is disgraceful to see what happens to the roads and ditches. We should make the redemptionn even higher and it would certainly compel more people to redeem their cans and bottles instead of trashing them

Daniel J Kane []

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Jim Trepka []

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Anonymous []

CON

There needs to be an increase in the handling fee so there is a stronger incentive to keep redemption centers in business. The 15 mile radius needs to be increased as well so that redemption of beverage containers is statewide, no matter where you reside/purchase from. We also NEED to expand the bottle bill. It is long outdated and needs to include a broader range of containers such as water bottles, teas, juices, gaterades, etc. We need to adapt to the times and make adjustments to fit the realty of today.

Stephanie Trujillo []

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. Consumers should be able to return their bottles to their place of purchase. To take this away will cause more bottles to end up in the landfill. We already have a massive plastic problem in this country and to do away with bottle return at place of purchase will only exacerbate the problem.

Carrie Radloff []

CON

Vote NO on HF 814.Iowans, regardless of political affiliation, overwhelmingly like the bottle bill. We want to see it expanded to include sports drinks, water, and tea containers. The handling fee should increase to two cents so redemption centers can provide safe a environment for workers and patrons as well as pay a living wage.The deposit should increase, for the first time in 40 years, to a dime, as other states have done, to further incentivize returns and reduce litter.Containers returned in a deposit system are cleaner with fewer contaminants, and therefore have greater usability and value. Many communities do not offer a recycling alternative for these containers; both glass and aluminum can be recycled infinitely... they should never be landfilled.We want to improve this program this bill does the opposite.Please vote no on HF 814.

James Johnson [Self/Retired ]

CON

I oppose any bill or amendments including HF 814 that 1. Makes it possible for retailers to reject or not participate in the return of glass, plastic, or metal soda, liquor or other bottle law containers. If the retailer sells it, it must accept returns or have a participant recycling center within a 10 mile distance or if in a small town, one recycling center per town. No exceptions! There must be a 2 cent minimal increase , preferably a nickel increase per bottle/can to support recycling efforts and recycling in stores and recycling centers. If the DNR is to retain control over the program, the legislature must provide penalties for retailers which fail to accept returns. Make the bottle return law stronger. Do not weaken it , PLEASE!

Anonymous []

CON

I hope the comments are being read as well as the PRO CON selection. Many people are in favor of keeping the bottle returns at the place of purchase but are selecting PRO I think out of confusion thinking that this will keep the bottle return as it is. This bill is about taking place of purchase returns AWAY.

Dr. Holly Hart [NA]

CON

Please Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

David Osterberg [Common Good Iowa]

CON

Iowa passed our bottle and can redemption law in 1978. Since then we pay 5 cents each time we buy a can of beer or bottle of Coke and get the nickel back when we return the container to the place we bought it.States surrounding Iowa take no such action to reduce roadside litter and boost recycling efforts. Out here on the edge of the prairie one can feel our policy is out of step which means Iowa actually is ahead of the game.In 2010, 38 countries in the world and 10 U.S. states and Guam had bottle and can redemption laws. The of programs remain in the United States but now 58 countries have bottle bills.2Once again, however, the beer and soft drink distributors and others who would rather not keep their responsibility on this issue are attacking the Iowa law. House File 814 would let beverage dealers pass off their responsibility to accept returned cans and bottles to agents or redemption centers as many as 10 or 15 miles away, depending on the size of the county. Convenience of returns a hallmark of the current law will be lostfor many consumers under this bill. Better options to improve the current law are available.Container recycling landscapeIn January 2017 about 300 million people lived in countries with bottle bills. New laws passed in Europe and Australia since then will soon double that number and one expert claims that by 2030, a billion people in the world will pay a charge on a drink container and get the moneyback when they return it. The main reason for this movementtoward responsibility in dealing with container waste is the terrible problem of ocean pollution. New islands of plastic are appearing in the worlds oceans and micro plastic material is everywhere.While reducing litter along roadsides or in oceans may have been the primary goal of bottle bills, they also contribute to increasedrecycling rates, thereby helping to reduce greenhouse emissions through energy savings.The U.S. Container Recycling Institute reports that return rates for aluminum, PET plastic and glass in states with a bottle bill is much higher than states without. A 2013 study found:On average, states that incentivize with container deposit laws recycled aluminum, plastic and glass containers at double the rate of states without bottle bills in 2010. In states with bottle bills, aluminumcans were returned at a rate of 84 percent, compared to 39 percent in states with other systems in place.For PET plastic, used in 2liter soft drink bottles, the return rates are lower since bottled water is rarely included in redemption state requirements, but the difference in the percentage of returns is more dramatic.Newer data (2015) shows PET plastic returned at a rate of 63 percent in bottle bill states compared to only 18 percent in the other 40 states.6 Specific to Iowa, 472 beverage containers are recycled per capita in Iowanow: nearly twice as many as the average in nondeposit states (226).Just raise the fee, make handling the cans and bottles an economic benefit, and be a worldleader in recycling.A 21st century solutionCOVID19 disrupted many supply chains, having a clean, separated waste stream through redemptionprograms is important in allowing companies to maintain their commitments to percentage of recycled content. And this source of a clean waste stream for containers can be improved. The 2019 rate of beverage container return was nearly 90 percent in Michigan, which raised its nickel deposit to 10 cents.Iowa would certainly gain by such a move, and still be saving consumers money in real terms. Remember, a nickel in 1978 is worth 20 cents today.Some grocery stores have mostly solved the dirty returnables problem by having a container redemption station outside the store. However, maintaining such equipment or making staff available to process returned beverages is costly. There is little in it for a grocery store since they only get a penny per deposit item tocover their costs.So that leads to an environmental answer. Boost the nickel to a dime or more and double the handling fee to 2 cents. In addition, include water bottles and other noncarbonated containers in the program. Then we will all have enough to gain by being good stewards and the outlets that sell the drink containers will havemore of their costs covered. The link between buying the container and returning the container to where you bought it can be strengthened. We just need to put more money into the system.Iowans already accept the responsibility since they have been returning containers to groceries and other stores for more than 40 years. Just raise the fee, make handling the cans and bottles an economic benefit andwe can continue to be a world leader in recycling responsibility. Thank you!David OsterbergCommon Good Iowa

Vicki Nordskog [N/A]

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Anonymous [Sierra Club]

CON

Raise the deposit to 10 cents. Expand it to all bottles.

Chip Baltimore [Fareway Stores, Inc.]

CON

Jane Robinette []

PRO

I am probottlebill. I favor some of the provisions of this bill, like the idea of enforcement penalties, but it still needs work. The handling fee should be raised to encourage more redemption centers. Grocery and other retail stores that sell beverage containers should take returns of them at their stores (outside if necessary) or provide a place for them near their store, to maintain convenience and participation. The deposit containers should expand to include water, tea, juice, etc., that are made of the same materials as are currently redeemable. The deposit fee should be increased to 10 cents to increase consumer participation and help those that rely on the extra money collecting them brings. Unclaimed deposits should be handled transparently and be used to enhance the redemption process and the environment. Please keep working on a solution that respects the consumer/citizen in addition to balancing interests of other stakeholders. Remember the reason for this law in the first place. Let's not go backward.

Anonymous [none]

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Ginnie Padden []

CON

If I am to continue being charged a bottle deposit, then ALL retailers who sell ANY containers requiring a deposit should be required to accept said containers for redemption. If the State votes to allow some retailers to opt out, then I would prefer the entire program we discontinued and NO deposits of any kind be collected. As an alternative to individual retailers maintaining redemption facilities, the State could operate stand alone centers in EACH municipality where deposit containers are sold. But please do not continue to charge container deposits if returning said containers for redemption will only become more challenging by having fewer places to do so.

Catherine Matt [Iowa Democrat]

CON

We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. These small acts individuals take to protect the environment really do not make much difference. It's government policies and lack of responsible regulation over industry which is killing our planet. The reason we must continue to encourage these small acts by ordinary citizens is to build public awareness. When people are allowed to participate in doing something important, they learn faster. Educated citizens are more likely to vote, and vote more responsibly. Vote Climate !

Anonymous []

CON

I oppose HF 814, which would make it easier for retailers to opt out of taking back the containers they sell. Without a convenient method to return bottles and cans, consumers would be more likely to discard them in their trash, or worse, on our roadsides. Instead of weakening Iowa's popular bottle law, we should strengthen it by including more types of containers and increasing reimbursement to redemption centers.

Jeffrey Morgan []

CON

Grocery stores shouldn't have the option to opt out of accepting containers. Even in Iowa City there is inconsistency between locations of the same store on whether or not they accept cans. Most cans that are returned are cleand having been washed out. Our local redemption center recently installed reversing vending machines for plastic and cans which is an improvement from requiring full bags of different sizes holding 120 to 240 cans and 40 to 240 plastic bottles. Hoewever there is no reverse vending for bottles unless you have a large quanity like 60. The recycling law should be expanded to include more items and the deposit should be increased to 10. Thank you for your consideration.

Anonymous []

CON

This bill introduces more barriers to recycling, meaning more waste that ends up in landfills. Ensuring a closed loop for beverage containers is a simple, but vital, step in reducing waste. Grocery stores that sell any type of beverages have should have the responsibility to accept the beverage containers after use. Iowans love this bill because it benefits consumers and the environment. Vote no on bill HF 814!

Carole Simmons []

CON

I urge you to vote NO on HF 814. This bill would take the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Michael Moore []

CON

Please vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.Thank you!

Mary Ann Renner [Redemption Center Owner]

CON

Im a redemption center owner and this bill dose nothing to help out redemption centers. This bill was made for grocery stores to get out. If you want to fix the bottle bill then raise the handling fee so its a profitable business and more redemption centers will open up. Its already a struggle for redemption centers to stay in business and you want to add more containers so there is more work for redemption centers with no handling fee raise. That doesnt make any sense at all.

Doug Bailey

CON

It makes no sense to make changes to a highly popular recycling program that would cripple rather than enhance it's operation. No doubt changes are necessary and long overdue. Common sense adjustments can be made that will reduce burdens and add value to the program. There are viable alternatives to simply starving it out of existence.

Anonymous []

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Miriam Timmer-Hackert []

PRO

It would be great to expand the bottle bill to include all beverages with similar aluminum, glass, and plastic containers. And also we need to increase the handling fee the recyclers get to 2 or 3 cents instead of 1 cent. I'm fine with increasing the deposit to $.10 and again it would be great to cover juice and milk in addition to alcohol and pop.

Anonymous []

CON

Vote NO on HR 814Iowa needs to keep the current bottle bill and redemption sites at grocery stores. Our family will not drive to a redemption site up to 20 miles away, the bottles/cans will end up in a landfill and others will simply throw them in ditches and other unsightly areas. Please don't take Iowa backwards with this bill.

Susan Collins [Container Recycling Institute]

CON

Anonymous []

CON

Please vote no on HF 814. We want to INCREASE the number of bottles and cans recycled. This bill does the opposite.

Mike Carberry [Sierra Club ]

CON

In 1971, the Keep America Beautiful campaign ran a vary effective anti pollution ad showing an American Indian crying over this polluted country. The Iowa bottle bill has been very effective in keeping cans and bottles out of our beautiful states natural areas and reducing pollution.Please Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814. I would hate to see an updated version of the 1971 commercial showing a Meskwaki Indian crying over a polluted Iowa. Only you have that power.Thanks,Mike Carberry

Ryan Surber [RecycleMe Iowa]

PRO

Its time. The bottle bill has undoubtedly benefited the beautiful Iowa countrysides and helped divert waste from the landfills... conserving precious resources, making a better Iowa landscape, and providing funding for Iowa citizens and even the micro charities that they support. RecycleMe, just one small familyown company in Central Iowa, helps Iowa citizens pass over $100,000 a year to micro charities like scouts, youth groups, and school booster clubsall due to the Iowa bottle bill. Its time our redemption centers get paid a fair processing fee, one that is in line with 2021, not the late 1970s. And its time, in the spirit of making a better Iowa, that the bill is expanded to cover more containers and more brands... specifically containers that hold juice and water. RecycleMe commends the leadership and foresite involved in creating the initial bottle bill. We appreciate the time and the resources involved in dealing with evolving the bill to meet the needs of todays Iowans. A majority of Iowans support the bottle bill and believe it should evolve. The redemption value of 100,000,000 containers pays the mortgage for a year for every house in an Iowa small town. On end, 100,000,000 stretches from Anchorage to Rio de Janeiro... and back. And Iowa redeems much more than that. But with an average redemption rate much less than the early 80s, we know we can do so much better. Lets listen to the constituents and continue our national leadership in redemption bills by making national headlines and evolving this bill to make a better Iowa.

Anonymous [Sierra Club]

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. It makes recycling more difficult, especially for rural Iowans. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Michael La Rosa []

CON

I am pro bottle bill, as the past 40 years has shown the deposit and redemption program has been a success in keeping the covered beverage containers out of Iowas ditches as litter and recovered natural resources through recycling. For the bottle bill to remain a success, I do not support expanding the distance that people would need to travel to a redemption center for this would just add an inconvenience to the public. I also, support adding an increase to the handling fee since it has not been increased in over 40 years. Our bottle bill has been a successfully carried out using the private sector redemption centers, the current handling does not reflect the current cost to the redemption process and is not supportive to maintaining the current number of private sector redemption centers nor is it supportive to attracting the creation of new private sector redemption centers.

Rex []

CON

If youre going to reduce redemption centers in stores there better be available other options to recycle. Otherwise itll end up trashing our state worse than it already is!

Jody L Gibson [Intoxalock]

CON

Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to optout of taking back cans and bottles. If Iowans cannot return their cans and bottles at their place of purchase, those cans and bottles will likely end up in the landfill, ditches or our water. Iowans overwhelmingly like the bottle bill and want to see it expanded not gutted. We should include sports drinks, water bottles, and tea. We should increase the handling fee from 1cent to 2cents so redemption centers can earn a living wage. We want to increase the number of bottles and cans that are recycled this bill does the opposite. Please vote no on HF 814.

Jamie Nagel [N/A]

CON

I cannot support this bill as written because I (like the majority of those who commented, whether they indicated pro or con) want to see a bottle bill with expanded coverage of bottle types and increases in the reimbursement. Please take note that Iowans are in favor of the bottle bill. Instead of making changes that exempt retailers from accepting beverage containers we want better access so that a higher percentage of these containers are redeemed. Please listen to the people and not grocery store lobbyists.

Linda Schreiber [LWVIA]

PRO