Can redemption

From Gayle Houk

Bedford

I read with great interest about The Can Place in Creston. It’s wonderful that Creston has a redemption center once again, and I hope it can keep one going. However, there are a few concerns that I feel the public should know. According to Code of Iowa, Chapter 455C.2(1), clearly states that the consumer must receive the full refund amount (5 cents). In bold print, it states, the dealer or person operating a redemption center shall return the amount of the refund value to the consumer.

My understanding from the article in the Creston paper, The Can Place is giving the
customer an option – 4 or 5 cents. I have also heard that they do not ask you whether you would take 4 cents or not, and they just go ahead and pay you the 4 cents, unless you speak up to begin with and ask for the 5 cents. I realize a profit of a penny a can is not a get rich quick business (redemption centers receive 6 cents), but neither is paying only back 4 cents. It is not fair to the consumer, and plus, it is against the law.

By all means, consumers in the Creston area, if you want to help your local redemption center, take all your cans into the center, get your 5 cents and either give them a tip or even donate a few cans and bottles. Just to show your gratitude you are pleased that they are open for business and serving the community. Furthermore, write or call your legislators and ask them to change the law where redemption centers could receive more money in handling the cans.

Please don’t help them proceed to break the law. They say if they aren’t making any money in six months, they will close the doors. This almost sounds like a threat, putting pressure on the consumers to take the 4 cents. Being in business for six months is not enough time to know whether you are going to make any money. A redemption center open for six months is not going to make any money, especially through the winter months, when people are not drinking like they would in the summer months. How would you, the consumer, feel if they close the doors. Here you’ve been taking 4 cents and for what reason. Your appreciation goes by the wayside, and you have no redemption center once again.