Redemption center struggling financially

The Red Oak Redemption Center is in trouble. One cent just doesn’t cut it anymore. 

Since the “Bottle Bill” was implemented in 1979, distributors have been paying redemption centers one-cent handling fees to collect bottles and cans; however, the cost of running a center has increased during the 36 years since the law’s start. 

Nishna Productions, Inc. houses the Red Oak Redemption Center, which employs 20-25 people. As utilities and wages have increased, Nishna Productions officials have become worried about how the center will continue running. 

“As we have looked at our financial situation this year, it’s become more and more apparent to us that it’s just very difficult to sustain this business financially,” said Sherri Clark, executive director at Nishna Productions.

Clark said almost every year, someone has gone to the state capitol to ask for a bill to raise the distributor’s fee to two cents. Unfortunately, legislators have not responded. 

At a recent legislative briefing, Clark brought the issue to the attention of Representative David Sieck and Senator Mark Costello. She e-mailed both after the event and has not received a response regarding whether there has been any activity at the capitol about the issue. 

She is “not very optimistic about the legislature doing anything.” Clark is hopeful that more community members reaching out to legislators could help. 

In the interim, Clark and her colleagues are thinking of solutions to keep the center running. Clark has spoken with local grocery store managers to see how they can help. The  center has also cut back on hours of operation. Clark said they have even thought about giving up their registration with the state and paying customers four cents back instead of five.

“We pretty sure there will be some unhappy customers, but it’s either that or maybe no redemption center,” Clark said.

The redemption center in Red Oak is unique as it employs more people than others do, making the cost to operate higher. Clark said the decision-makers are aware of this, therefore they realize they will most likely not recover all financial losses. 

After monitoring the financial situation for about three months, Clark has not set a date for their decision because they are still weighing the possibilities. 

“At this point … it’s still a work in progress,” Clark said. “We’re still talking, we’re still thinking. But, I think there’s always a possibility that we’ll have to say ‘we can’t continue it anymore.’”

Clark said Nishna helps their disabled clients to “live independently and least restrictively as they can in the community.” This independence includes a job; however, some clients do not want to work in the community. The redemption center has offered an environment for these individuals to work and feel comfortable.

“As we move forward in time, I got concerned about the people that might be working in the redemption center … who say ‘you know, I really don’t want to work in the community and I really don’t want to sit at home doing nothing and I really don’t want to go to an adult day care program. I kind of like what I’m doing and I think there’s value to what I’m doing,’” Clark said. “There is value. They’re working. They get dignity and respect from the work that they do.”