The study in October by the University of Northern Iowa s Center for Social and Behavioral Research, shows support for adding non-carbonated beverage containers, such as teas, sports drinks, juices and bottled water, is up from 73 percent of respondents in a similar 1998 study.
People notice on a daily basis the positive impact the bottle bill is having on Iowa.
A presentation of the study will be given Jan. 16 at the Environmental Protection Commission meeting in Des Moines. Iowa recovers an estimated 1.5 billion redeemable beverage containers per year. Based on the recycling rate of currently redeemed containers it is estimated an additional 200 million non-carbonated beverage containers would be recovered every year with an expanded Bottle Bill. The report indicates that nearly 93 percent of respondents mildly or strongly support the current bottle bill. This figure is up from 85 percent of respondents supporting the bottle bill in the 1998 survey.