Ever wondered about the 5-cent deposit on pop, beer, and other beverages? We’re here to break it down, including the reasoning, process, and benefits. But let’s start with the most obvious question.
What is the Bottle Bill?
Iowa’s Bottle Bill was signed into law in 1978, creating a 5-cent deposit on bottles and cans of soda, beer, and wine sold in Iowa. Eligible containers also now include sparkling water and certain energy drinks. The original bill required retailers to redeem the containers they sold, meaning customers could bring empties to their local grocery or convenience store to collect their 5-cent deposit on each container.
What’s Changed Over the Years
An update to the Bottle Bill in recent years now allows grocery stores and convenience stores to STOP accepting cans and bottles for recycling. This means that Can Shed is now one of the only places to redeem eligible containers in Eastern Iowa.
Bottle Bill Benefits
Redeeming containers has personal, environmental, and economic benefits.
$33.4
back into Iowa’s economy
12.2 Million
pounds from the state’s landfills
1.3 million
hours of electricity
The Bottle Bill keeps empty containers out of ditches, roads, and waterways, leading to cleaner communities. And it adds up for individual consumers, too: a full Can Shed Bulk Bag of eligible 12-oz. cans comes out to $12!
How and Why We Should Modernize the Bottle Bill
Make All Beverage Containers Redeemable
If it’s a beverage of any kind in a can or bottle, it should be redeemable. This will increase material recovery, reduce consumer confusion, and boost economic impact.
Increase the Deposit to 10 Cents
The current 5-cent deposit incentive has lost 75% of its purchasing power. An increase to 10 cents restores the original value, prompting more people to redeem.
Updating the Bottle Bill will create a cleaner state, stronger economy, and keep more dollars in Iowa!