Travelers recycle at Iowa rest areas

The Iowa Recycles on the Road pilot project, started at eight central Iowa interstate rest areas, has already collected more than 38,000 pounds of bottles, cans and other drink containers. At a recycling facility in Des Moines, they’re processed and shipped to factories, where the materials can be used to manufacture new beverage containers and other recycled products.

Iowa Recycles on the Road encourages recycling by making it easier for drivers to help reduce litter and keep Iowa beautiful. The Iowa Department of Transportation hopes to expand the program to an additional 32 rest stops that serve more than 13.2 million drivers each year.