Thanks for the head’s up! This is similar to what I submitted (it still hasn’t show up yet), in case anyone want to further edit and riff on my comments:

Please 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 a safe environment for workers and patrons, as well as pay a living wage and expand hours (my local center is open only 20 hours per week, no evenings). 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. This would also help nonprofit, church, and youth groups who manage redemption returns to raise money.

Containers returned in a deposit system are cleaner with fewer contaminants, and therefore have greater usability and value. Many communities do not offer access to recycling. 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.

~carrie

NOTE from Jess Mazour about comments needed on the bottle deposit law

The Iowa House just scheduled a public hearing on the bad bottle bill tonight at 5pm CT. We need to submit as many public comments as possible between now and 5pm today.

Take Action Now:

Step 1: Please submit a comment (draft comment below)

Step 2: Forward to a friend

Step 3: Post on facebook to generate more comments.

Draft comment - feel free to copy/paste this comment or write your own:

Vote NO on HF 814. If passed this bill takes the convenience out of recycling by allowing grocery stores to opt-out 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 1-cent to 2-cents 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.

The Iowa House usually does not allow public comment over zoom but it will be broadcast live for people to watch at home. The House said they will not publish a link to the public hearing until 1 hour before the hearing. Here is the website where the hearing link will be posted. Please check this link shortly before 5pm:

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/committees/publicHearings?ga=89

Please help us submit as many comments as possible. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Jess Mazour (she/her/hers)

Conservation Coordinator

Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club

515-313-5253

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