Iowa grocery stores could opt out of accepting empty containers covered by the state’s nickel deposit law under legislation that has cleared a Senate subcommittee. Senator Ken Rozenboom, a Republican from Oskaloosa, says his bill is an attempt to tweak, but not end the state’s popular “Bottle Bill.”

“The bill very intentionally makes simple, but fundamental improvements in our current process.”

Rozenboom predicts his bill would lead to more business for redemption centers.  As the bill is currently written, a retailer may refuse to accept cans and bottles if there’s a redemption center within 20 miles of the store.  Rozenboom says his attempt to modernize the Bottle Bill, like countless others, may be doomed if competing interest groups aren’t willing to compromise.