It’s Difficult to Return Cans in Iowa — A New Website Hopes to Change That

I grew up working at the grocery store Fareway in the rural community of Monticello, Iowa. My least favorite task was doing the return on cans and bottles. Let me be frank and honest — it was a disgusting, sticky, and smelly experience that always made me feel like I needed a shower afterwards. I hated it. In fact, most everyone I worked with said the same thing, and we were collectively relieved when a law passed that allowed stores that sold food to "opt out" of redemption.

Little did we know that bill would begin the downward trend of being able to return our cans at all. Yes, for decades Iowans have relied on the Bottle Bill to earn back that 5-cent deposit on their soda and beer cans and bottles. But in recent years, it's been getting harder to redeem them. And trust me, it’s not just because you’re forgetting them at the bottom of your recycling bin. Changes in the law and the refusal of some businesses (like grocery stores) to take back containers have left many wondering: where can I get my nickel(s) back at?

Get our free mobile app

The Struggle to Find Redemption Centers

It wasn’t always this way. Before 2022, most stores that sold carbonated beverages or alcohol were required to accept returns.  That is no longer the case. Thanks to fairly recent legislation, stores now have the option to "opt-out" of redemption services if they’re near a redemption center or meet certain criteria. In large counties, businesses can forgo redemption if there is a return center within 10 miles; in smaller counties, it’s 15 miles. For some stores, especially those selling food, the law lets them out of the redemption game completely.

This means that some Iowans — especially those in rural areas — might have to drive miles to find a place that will take their cans. If your favorite local store won’t take them, you might be left scrambling to figure out where you can redeem your containers, and not throw out that nickel. More often than not, you might just say "screw it" and drop it in the recycling container or, even worse, in the garbage.

Why Some Businesses Don’t Want Your Cans

So why are businesses suddenly saying, “No thanks” to your cans and bottles? The main reasons are cost and convenience. Handling returns and managing redemption centers is no small task. Stores must dedicate time and resources to sorting and counting containers, not to mention the space required to store them all. For many small businesses, the hassle simply isn’t worth the reward, especially when the law allows them to opt out.

Another factor is the decline in redemption participation. With fewer people returning their containers and changing consumer habits, businesses are seeing fewer returns and deciding that the burden of redemption isn’t justified. Simply put, if redemption isn’t a money-making or cost-effective option, stores would rather not be involved at all.

And lastly, it's a dirty, sometimes disgusting, job. I know the law states that cans need to be cleaned out, but have you ever had to process someone's old chew-spit container? I'd love to say that's never happened to me, but that would be a bold-faced lie. Add in the fact that many of these cans and bottles include sugary drinks which attract bugs that just love that syrupy goodness, and you can count most sane people out.

Enter Empties.org: Your New Best Friend for Cans and Bottles

That’s where the Iowa Beverage Association comes in. Recognizing that it’s getting harder for Iowans to find redemption centers, they’ve launched what is hopefully a game-changing website — empties.org. This new platform is designed to help Iowans quickly and easily find the nearest redemption center, so they can take their cans and bottles for that classic 5-cent refund.

Essentially, empties.org is a map of redemption locations. It’s also user-friendly, continually updated site that’s built for the convenience of all Iowans. Unlike the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ older list, which was a bit of a headache to navigate, empties.org is to the point, letting you search by zip code or city to locate the nearest return center. Whether you live in the city or a small town, this tool can save you some hassle.

So, when rural areas are feeling the sting of businesses opting out of can and bottle redemption, you won’t have to call around or guess where to go. The goal is quite simple: make it easier for Iowans to redeem their containers and continue participating in the bottle bill, even as the landscape changes.

The Bigger Picture and Why This Matters for Iowa

Empties.org isn’t just about helping you get your 5 cents back. It’s about boosting recycling rates and protecting the environment. Iowans are known for their commitment to sustainability, and the Bottle Bill has been a big part of that. In fact, the state recycles about 49% of beverage containers, with glass being recycled at a rate of 76% and aluminum at 42%. However, the changes to the Bottle Bill have created challenges, and the hope is that Empties.org can revitalize the program by making redemption more accessible.

By making it easier to return containers and encouraging Iowans to participate, the website hopes to reduce litter, improve recycling rates, and keep our environment cleaner.

As Empties.org grows, it’s likely to change to meet the needs of Iowa’s ever-evolving beverage scene. While redemption centers are the primary focus, the website may eventually include mobile redemption systems and other new solutions as they become available. The ultimate goal is to create a seamless, statewide system where it’s simple for everyone to return their cans and bottles.

So next time you find yourself with a pile of empty cans, don’t let them sit in your garage. Check out Empties.org to find the nearest redemption center. Your piggybank (and the planet) will thank you.