The trout-stocking season began recently in northeast Iowa. I took a load of trout to Big Paint and Little Paint Creeks in Yellow River Forest, possibly two of the most beautiful and remote stream valleys in Iowa. What did I find? More than 50 (total) nickel deposit cans strewn about at nearly every stop I made, not to mention numerous other containers. Some were wedged in crevices of the most beautiful rock-facing bluffs along the stream. Not only is the loss of a mere 5-cent deposit not a deterrent for leaving cans behind or an effective incentive for participating in recycling, but there is a more tragic loss of simple respect for a beautiful landscape. It is that disrespect for our landscape alone that should more than justify raising the fee to 10 cents on all beverage containers.
There is so much to gain - even for those opposed to such an increase - if they would simply have a little more vision. Those willing to toss aside even a 10-cent can or water bottle along roads, ditches, garbage cans or remote scenic areas would be voluntarily helping to fund countless beneficial programs and projects. Those opposed, such as grocery-store chains, would find ample profit potential to open their own separate redemption door, hire extra employees and make additional profits to boot.
Other benefits of expanding the bottle bill:
- Promote recycling: Have you ever thought about the raw materials that go into plastic bottles and aluminum cans? Materials for both are recyclable, but not sustainable to keep making. Plastic comes from petroleum, and aluminum comes from hillsides that continually get torn apart to mine the raw materials needed. Having a recycling program alone is not enough to encourage willing participants. Placing a higher value on those recyclable containers could at the very least provide financial incentive for others to go out and retrieve what was discarded. What is the other option? Placing a $5,000 fine on littering and then hiring troops of litter control officers?
- Funding for programs: A diverse array of programs get funded from the current bottle bill. For example, last year the Lamont Kids Center received about $900 through can donations left at a collection/donation bin within the town. This is a common donation method for towns and projects all across Iowa. In Elkader, funding from the bottle bill supports more than 50 disabled workers at the county redemption center, which is facing closure because the penny for handling has never changed since start of the program.
Expanding the bill and raising the deposit would create even more funding. That in turn would benefit all Iowans. Residents from small towns such as Elkader, who get strapped with multi-million-dollar sewage-treatment upgrades in their efforts to improve scenic rivers like the Turkey, should rise up in support. Additional funding could also support crews of young employees with summer jobs targeted at cleaning up streams, rivers and public areas that in turn can be better enjoyed by all.
Is it too late? Have our legislators already decided nothing will happen this session? It's never too late to do something positive. I hope our legislators and the citizens of Iowa can look at the numerous benefits of expanding the program rather than watching this vision get derailed by the few workable issues that get turned into roadblocks by high-dollar lobby groups that lack vision beyond their own perceived inconvenience or profit. If you're still not sold on the idea of expanding and raising the deposit, then go to a beautiful place like Yellow River Forest and see for yourself. Like the Native American in the commercial, you may be fighting back tears.
GARY SIEGWARTH is manager at the Big Spring trout station near Elkader.
