116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Can Shed adds app to make recycling more convenient
Customers get paid electronically after dropping off QR-coded bags
Aug. 17, 2024 5:00 am, Updated: Aug. 19, 2024 7:49 am
The new BottleDrop Iowa program recently started by Can Shed makes it easier to get rid of aluminum and plastic containers by allowing customers to use an app when dropping off redemptions during the day or night.
The program is an app-based option, in addition to Can Shed’s self- service machines and bulk-based programs at four of its redemption sites in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Marion and Iowa City. The Manchester site doesn’t have the newest program at this time.
Troy Willard, owner and chief operating officer of Can Shed, said he had wanted to add the app for some time. So when the Iowa bottle bill law updated in 2023 -- increasing handling fees going to redemption centers from 1 cent to 3 cents per container -- it seemed like a good time to explore the possibilities.
He based the Iowa program on the BottleDrop Oregon program. That statewide program has “millions” of users, Willard said.
Iowa's bottle bill deposit law covers all carbonated and alcoholic beverages. This includes beer, wine, alcoholic liquor, sparkling water and “similar carbonated soft drinks.”
Willard, after the law was updated, said the state ruled kombucha containers also are covered under the deposit law because kombucha has natural carbonation from fermentation.
App’s ‘good growth’
The BottleDrop app went live June 1, and Willard said he has seen “good growth” in its use.
He believes the app will continue to improve as more people learn about the program. About 60 to 70 bags a week are coming through the app-based program, with 600 users signed up so far.
Those 600 users may not all be actually dropping off bags yet because there will be some lag time between signing up, collecting cans or containers and picking up the QR-coded bags needed to participate in the app program.
Willard realizes the app may not be for some who want or need that cash immediately. And there is some expense involved in purchasing the bags with QR codes that can be filled with recyclable cans and bottles and then scanned for payment.
Making it easy
The app is just one more way to make recycling easy, Willard said.
He sees it being an option for residents living in apartments or dorms who may not have another way to recycle. The expanded drop-off window and hours may be more convenient.
And the app also may be more appealing to younger people who mainly use similar payment apps for their daily living expenses.
Anyone using the program must first download the BottleDrop app on their smartphone, create an account and then purchase bags for the aluminum or plastic containers at a Can Shed facility.
No glass bottles are accepted in the app program.
Willard said the QR code bags are about 20 cents each and sold in a roll of 10 for $2 plus tax.
There is a 25-cent processing fee for each bag, which results in a 25-cent reduction in funds the customers will see on their returns.
But that’s balanced out by the added convenience of not waiting in lines and having expanded hours to drop off the bags — from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week and holidays, he pointed out.
An additional convenience is that cans and plastics can be mixed in the QR bags. When using the self-service machines or bulk bag options, the cans, plastics and glass must be separated.
To receive payment for the recyclables, the users will have to pair their account with a payment service, such as Venmo, PayPal or a user’s bank account for direct deposit.
The drop-off bags must be paired to a user’s account by scanning the QR code printed on the bags. The bags can be left at any BottleDrop location. The customer’s QR code can be scanned to open the door where the bags can be dropped off.
Willard said users can expect payments within 10 business days, which is required by law. The bags often are processed and credited to the customer’s account in three or four days but could take longer, Willard said.
There are about 119 can and bottle redemption centers in the state, according to an interactive map on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website. Another company, Droplett, offers a similar app-based program in central Iowa.
Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com
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