Empties.org points Iowans to beverage redemption centers

Iowa Beverage Association logo

The Iowa Beverage Association (IBA) has launched Empties.org, a new website designed to help Iowans locate nearby redemption centers for beverage bottles and cans. The initiative aims to improve accessibility and visibility of the more than 300 redemption locations across the state.

Under Iowa’s bottle bill deposit law, consumers pay a five-cent deposit on carbonated and alcoholic beverage containers and receive a five-cent refund when returning them to a store or redemption center. By utilizing Empties.org, Iowans can more easily find locations to recycle their empty containers while redeeming their deposit.

Beyond the economic and environmental benefits, recycling beverage containers helps give them a second life. The beverage industry continues to advance sustainability efforts by producing 100% recyclable bottles, including caps, which can be repurposed into new bottles, cans, clothing, carpeting, and even pet beds.

“Recycling your cans and bottles isn’t just about redeeming your nickel, it’s helping to divert waste from landfills, conserve natural resources, and support a more sustainable future,” said Jon Murphy, executive director of the Iowa Beverage Association. “Our association, along with our colleagues in the industry, are committed to helping Iowans bring their bottles back to a redemption center near them. Empties.org provides an opportunity to help with recycling, and put some change back in the pockets of Iowans.”