Hope Haven, a division of Imagine the Possibilities, announced plans to close its Burlington can redemption center on March 31, 2025, due to mounting financial losses. Despite a 2022 increase in handling fees from 1 to 3 cents per container, the center projects an annual deficit of $200,000. Chief Strategic Advancement Officer Cheryl Plank noted the closure reflects a need to prioritize services that align with the organization’s mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.
Operating the center requires sorting 16,000 cans weekly to cover just one employee’s hourly wage, excluding additional costs. Plank emphasized that maintaining the center would hinder other programs, including paper shredding services and the Hopefully Yours Thrift Store, which continues to employ individuals with disabilities.
The closure will leave Des Moines County without a redemption center, forcing residents to travel to facilities in Fort Madison or Mount Pleasant. Plank thanked the Burlington community for its past support and pledged to explore new ways to partner with local residents while focusing on sustainable services.
