Redemption Center Grants Program: Results

Iowa independent beverage container redemption centers are finalizing improvements and upgrades thanks to $965,000 in grants from the DNR's Redemption Center Grants Program.

The Redemption Center Grants Program, created during the 2008 Legislative Session, awarded funds to independent beverage container redemption centers for facility improvements to better serve their customers.

A total of 98 applications were submitted and reviewed by a third-party committee that recommended grant awards to 93 of the applicants, with individual grant awards ranging from $806 to $13,540.

Many of the redemption centers used their grants for structural additions and upgrades to infrastructure such as heating, air conditioning and plumbing improvements.

Hope Haven Area Development Center in Burlington used the money to insulate its building, lower the ceiling and install new duct work. "The improvements to the center allow for better working conditions for the clients we employ as well as our customers," said Julie Lunning Anderson, director of Development and Community Relations. "The changes to the building will reduce our utilities and make the operation more cost efficient."

Other redemption centers upgraded to new can-counting machines, business computers and facility developments to improve efficiency.

Some redemption centers used funding to purchase containter counters like the one above.

Ralph and Vicki Kincer have owned and operated RVK Redemption Services in Sheldon since 2005. In 2009 they added another location in Orange City. "Both locations received funds for more of our manual can counters… it decreases the amount of time a customer spends redeeming containers and increases productivity, thus keeping our labor costs low," said Kincer.

The M&S Redemption Center in Britt used grant funds to improve accessibility and building maintenance. "We replaced the sidewalk out front; it was a mess before," said owner Sherri Peterson. "The new sidewalk provides a safer entrance for customers."

Before and After of the M&S Redemption Center's sidewalk.

Other improvements to the M&S Redemption Center included sealing the roof to repair and prevent leaks, new truck tires, and a new garage door and keypad entry system.

Before and After of the M&S Redemption Center's garage door.

"We definitely would not have been able to have the work done without the grant funding," Peterson said.

The grant contracts were structured with 10% of the funding retained and dispersed upon receipt of the Final Report. To date, 77 grant contracts have been closed out.

The Redemption Center Grant Program is still in effect; while no additional appropriations have been provided, any unexpended funds will be used in the 2010 Fiscal Year for awarding grants that are consistent with the legislation's originally intended purpose. Currently it is estimated that unexpended funds available for grants total approximately $50,000. The final figure is contingent upon receipt of outstanding Final Reports.

Follow Up:
SWAP's An Introduction to Integrated Solid Waste Management
Video Online

FABA's Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP) provided funding to produce an educational video that features information on the many integrated solid waste management (ISWM) programs available in Iowa.

The introduction segment to the DVD is now available to watch online.
Click the links below to watch.

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